Sales growth in February lowest since mid-2021

February proved to be an "underwhelming" month for Scottish retailers, with sales growth falling to its lowest level in two-and-ahalf years, according to an industry body.

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) said "some bright spots" such as buying linked to St Valentine's Day had boosted the income of some stores over the last month.

The latest figures show total sales increased by 1.4 per cent compared with the same period last year, when they grew by 9 per cent.

Adjusted for inflation, however, the year-on-year decline worked out as 1.1 per cent, according to the SRC.

David Lonsdale, director of the SRC, said: "February brought more discomfort for hard-pressed Scottish shopkeepers as total retail sales growth during the month fell further to its lowest level in two-and-ahalf years.

"When adjusting for shop price inflation it was the eighth successive month of declining real terms growth.

"There were some bright spots. Some retailers benefitedfrom purchases associated with St Valentine' s Day, buoyed by sales of cosmetics, fragrances and chocolates. Grocery sales got a bump too from St Valentine's Day as people marked the occasion at home rather than spend more going out to eat."

Mr Lonsdale said February's "underwhelming" headline figures reflected "a continuing weakness in consumer demand" as well as a dip in shopper footfall.

He continued: "This weakness was most pronounced in bigger ticket categories such as white goods, furniture and jewellery.

"By contrast, lower-value items, including health and beauty and home accessories, fared reasonably well, with fashion buoyed by discounting as shops made room for new ranges. The growth in food continued to slow and was at its weakest level since June 2022.”