The value in Black Friday sales increased in 2022, according to the latest Scottish Retail Consortium-KPMG Scottish retail sales monitor.
Covering the four weeks to 26 November, the SRC reported that total sales in Scotland increased by 8% compared to the same period in 2021.
Even with this figure adjusted for inflation, it remains a positive – sitting at an increase of 0.6 percentage points over the four week period.
Ewan MacDonald Russell, deputy head of the SRC, has put this slight boost in sales down to the availability of pre-Christmas bargains, including Black Friday activity.
He explained: “There was a small but welcome boost to Scottish retail sales in November as shoppers took advantage of discounts to belatedly begin their Christmas shopping.
“Sales rose by 0.6% in real terms as consumers took advantage of the plethora of deals around Black Friday.
“Food sales hit a record high of 12.5%, an inevitable consequence of record food price inflation.”
But the challenge retailers face for the year ahead was also stressed. Paul Martin, partner and UK head of retail at KPMG, said: “Retailers are well aware that, in the current environment, it is a battle to attract and retain every customer.
“Given the economic headwinds for the year ahead, with consumer behaviour expected to evolve further as shoppers look to trade down and purchase less, understanding and meeting customer needs will be a critical mission for retailers, and it’s a job that keeps getting harder.”
