The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), along with KPMG, have detailed the retail sales picture for the five weeks covering 1 March to 4 April, 2026, and it is not a pretty one, with sales in the region significantly down due to worries over cost-of-living impacted by global instability.
Total sales in Scotland decreased by 1.3 per cent compared with March 2025, when they had increased by 0.3 per cent. This was below the 3-month average increase of 0.5 per cent and below the 12-month average increase of 0.9 per cent. Adjusted for inflation, there was a year-on-year decrease of 2.5 per cent.
Total Non-Food sales in Scotland decreased by 2.8 per cent compared with March 2025, when they had increased by 1.7 per cent. This was below the 3-month average decrease of 0.1 per cent and below the 12-month average increase of 1.1 per cent.
Adjusted for the effect of online sales, Non-Food sales in Scotland decreased by 3.0 per cent compared with March 2025, when they had increased by 2.0 per cent. This was below the 3-month average decrease of 0.1 per cent and below the 12-month average increase of 1.4 per cent.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Scottish shoppers cut back on spending as worries about the impact of the Middle East crisis saw retail sales plummet in real terms by 2.5 per cent in March. The figures are a blow for hard-pressed retailers who hoped Easter coming earlier in this year would lead to a bounce. Instead, despite decent footfall, sales fell across most categories as concerns about energy prices and possible inflation deterred spending.
“There were a few bright spots amidst the gloom, with computing and toy sales holding up. Conversely fashion and footwear sales continued to struggle, putting more pressure on struggling high streets.
“As Scotland’s politicians canvass for votes these figures are a stark reminder of the enormous pressure on households and businesses. It’s vital the parties recognise the immense costs already impacting consumers and industry and that the next devolved government doesn’t compound the costs crunch they face.”
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure, KPMG, said: “Retail sales disappointed for a second month in a row in Scotland, with consumer spending caution further heightened by the current and potential impact of the Middle East conflict.
“But, despite this challenging trading landscape, monthly examples of category sales growth remain. While margins remain under pressure on a number of fronts, retailers need to continue to focus on their month-to-month pricing and promotions, their supply chain resilience and delivering the technological transformation needed to set the foundations for growth.”
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