Sunshine and World Cup kicked off Scots retail boom in June

New figures show the highest monthly growth since January 2014

Sunshine and sport spurred Scots into shops last month according to a new report published today.

The Scottish Retail ConsortiumKPMG retail sales monitor showed sales increased by 2% in June on a like-for-like basis compared to last year.

Food sales increased by 4.8% compared to June 2017 and non-food sales by 1%.

Scottish Retail Consortium’s head of policy Ewan MacDonald-Russell said: “Some superb weather and a bumper summer of sport saw retail sales continue to shine in June.

“Total sales were up 3.2% in real terms across the month, with positive growth in both food and non-food categories.

“Scots, perhaps unused to one of the hottest Junes in a century, sought out drinks, fans, barbecues and paddling pools to cool off and enjoy the sunshine.

“Food sales continued their strong performance in 2018 with growth of

4.8%.

“In particular this month consumers were keen on picnic and barbecue food, reflecting the unusual opportunity to consistently eat outside.

“There were also strong drinks sales due both to the weather — but also as a result of the series of sporting events on television, not least the World Cup.”

June was the highest monthly sales growth since January 2014, with an increase of 2.7% on the previous year.

Picture: Getty Images. French midfielder Paul Pogba with the World Cup. The football tournament has been credited with an increase in retail spending.