Scottish retail bosses call for government action as sales slide for second month

The latest retail sales monitor from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and KPMG showed that total sales north of the Border fell by 1.2 per cent last month, compared with April 2025. After being adjusted for inflation, there was a year-on-year decrease of 2.2 per cent.

SRC director David Lonsdale noted that the figures had been impacted by the timing of Easter this year but warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and higher household bills were likely taking their toll.

He said: “Global events such as the situation in the Middle East and higher commodity prices might be out of government’s hands, but costs imposed here at home are not. It’s why the UK and Scottish governments should help retailers’ efforts to keep down shop prices for households in the short, medium, and long term by working with us to reduce the statutory costs retailers and their suppliers face.

“This should begin with a reduction in food businesses’ energy costs, especially non-commodity charges, a more competitive business rate, and curbing or pausing any new regulations.”

Total food sales by value were down 4 per cent last month, compared with April 2025. In contrast, overall non-food sales increased by 1 per cent, year on year. Adjusted for the effect of online trading, non-food sales were flat.

Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG, which helps compile the retail sales monitor, said: “It was a disappointing April for Scotland's retail sector, even factoring in an earlier Easter shifting some spending into March.

“Consumer confidence has been further dampened by rising prices due to the Iran conflict, with consumers cautious about potential ongoing effects. As a result, the retail sector is facing a challenging start to spring/summer, but there is hope that holiday demand and the World Cup still manage to unlock spending in the weeks and months ahead.”