The hot items Scots are snapping up as retail sales hit three-year high

Total sales north of the Border jumped by 8 per cent last month, compared with July 2025, and were 7.1 per cent higher, year on year, in real terms after being adjusted for the effects of inflation. On that same latter measure, June’s sales had risen by a previous three-year record of 6.3 per cent.

The latest retail sales monitor from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and KPMG also showed that total non-food sales - a recent area of weakness - had leapt by 12.9 per cent last month.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the SRC, said: “There was joy for retailers in July as sales continued to rise, with a real terms rise of over 7 per cent. That beats June’s strong performance, setting a new three year high for the industry.

“It was hard pressed high street lines which saw the best performance, with non-food sales up by over 12 per cent. Women’s clothing and footwear did well with summer lines selling well in response to the warm weather and last minute holiday shopping. Health and beauty products such as sunscreen similarly performed well, as did jewellery and watches.”

However, the SRC noted that categories for larger items such as furniture had underperformed last month, while computing and technology sales were weaker than earlier in the year.

MacDonald-Russell highlighted two notes of caution.

“Firstly, inflation is likely to drive sales values a bit higher in the coming month as businesses adapt to the consequences of the current international instability,” he said.

“Secondly, we are comparing to a pretty weak summer last year. So whilst retailers can enjoy the heady rush of shoppers, they are all too aware that rougher waters may lie ahead.”

Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG, which helps compile the monthly sales monitor, added: “The start of the holiday season delivered strong retail sales for Scotland in July.

“Across the UK, the summer season got started as early as May, which has seen an upturn for clothes, shoes and accessories right through to August. Warmer weather has aided home entertaining and garden related purchases, and Scotland’s retailers will be looking to continue the strong summer performance during August.”