Sales up for retailers north of the border
Like-for-like sales in Scotland were 0.8 per cent higher in February that in the same month last year, when they had risen by a strong 3.9 per cent, according to figures from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC).

Total sales grew by 4.1 per cent in February, an increase on the 2.3 per cent growth recorded in January.

Food sales slipped just below their year-earlier level, after a flat January. All of February's upturn came from non-food sales, which picked up 2 per cent, despite clothing and footwear remaining lower than a year ago.

'After last month's uninspiring figures, Scottish retailers are cautiously welcoming

the small like-for-like growth for February,' said SRC director Fiona Moriarty. 'Nevertheless, food and drink, clothing and footwear retailers have struggled - with shoppers showing little interest in spring lines.

'The increase was concentrated in other sectors such as home and leisure, but even here, sales were often driven by promotions and discounts. Overall, the climate is still challenging for Scotland's retailers,' she added.

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