October growth highest of the year to date SRC-KPMG reports
FOOD sales in Scotland were up in October, according to the Scottish Retail Consortium – KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. It was the second month in a row to show year-on-year growth and it registered the highest increase in 2016 to date.
Total food sales were up 0.3% on October 2015. It meant that the three-month average sales growth now stands at 0.2%.
Non-food sales did less well, declining 0.6% compared to October 2015.
David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium said: “Food sales continue to improve compared to a year ago … reflecting consumers responding to continued low grocery prices.”
Paul Martin, UK head of retail or KPMG, said: “Food sales rose for the second consecutive month, helped by pumpkin and confectionary splurges for Halloween, as well as a number of in-store promotions.
“With Christmas on the horizon, we may see this trend continue, as Scots prepare for the various social gatherings that the festive season entails.”
