A winning combination of good weather and the World Cup has generated a healthy boost for Scottish retailers with total sales up 7.5% in June 2026 compared with the previous year when they had fallen 0.4%. Adjusted for inflation, there was a year-on-year increase of 6.3%, according to the latest data from the SRC-KPMG Scottish Retail Sales Monitor for the five weeks from 31 May to 4 July 2026.
While non-food took the lion’s share of the increase, up 12.3% compared with June 2025, when they had dropped 1.1%, total food sales also saw growth, up 1.8% versus June 2025, when they were down 2.3%.
David Lonsdale, Director, Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), said:
“Scottish retail sales sparkled in June bolstered by the arrival of the better weather, the World Cup, and Scots readying themselves for the summer holidays. It was the best monthly performance in three years, positive news after a lengthy period of decidedly tepid sales growth. The pick-up was broadly based yet non-food sales in particular shone.
“Grocery sales returned to growth as food inflation eased and with increased spending notable in the lead up to Scotland’s first and second men’s World Cup matches. Associated merchandise and clothing also performed well, as did TV sales. As Scots made the most of the sunnier conditions outdoor toys and paddling pools fared well, as did electric fans as people looked to cool off. The impending holiday season lifted purchases of suntan lotion, swimming costumes, and towels.
“These are unalloyed positive results and provided a final flourish to the first half of the year. Whether the good news can be sustained however remains unclear given continuing pressures on household finances. With a new Prime Minister about to take office retailers will be hoping he can make good on his pledges on living standards and of a high street renaissance, whilst showing sufficient dexterity towards keeping a tight lid on the tax and regulatory costs under his control.”
