Scotland’s high streets returned their weakest sales figures in more than 15 years last month as good weather and interest in the independence referendum saw people shun stores.
Overall sales for last month were 2.9% lower than September 2013, with like-for-like sales which exclude factors such as new store openings down 4.2%.
David Martin of the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) said apart from those months when the timing of Easter distorted sales, it was the weakest performance since records began in January 1999.
David McCorquodale, head of retail at KPMG, said: “There can be little doubt that the engagement of the country in the referendum debate and the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the contest cast a shadow over the spending of the Scottish consumer in the first half of the month and impacted the value of sales.”
Total food sales last month were 2.4% lower than a year ago, according to the SRC KPMG Retail Sales Monitor, with like-for-like sales down 3.9%.
Non-food items fared worse, with total sales falling 3.3% and like-for-like sales dropping by 4.4%.
Clothing and footwear was the worst performing sector, with last month’s warm weather hindering sales of autumn clothing ranges.
Mr Martin, SRC head of policy and external affairs, said: “Despite improved levels of footfall due to the Ryder Cup and other events, demand remained weak for fashion items, particularly boots and coats.”
However, he sees “encouraging signs for the industry” as the build-up to Christmas begins.
He said: “As we approach Christmas, the search for talented seasonal staff has begun, to support the extra demand from shoppers.
“A large proportion of these seasonal roles will turn into permanent positions, proving that this time of year is great for those looking to begin a career in retailing.”
Mr McCorquodale thinks the poor September figures will prove to be a blip.
“Whilst this month’s sales figures set some weakest performance records, I see this as more of a disappointment for retailers battling against circumstances rather than a trend,” he said.
“There’s no denying that the continued decline in food sales is reflected in the challenges facing the grocery sector up and down the UK.
“Fashion and footwear retailers suffered in the rest of the UK from warm weather, but Scotland’s worse performance was probably exaggerated by other distractions.”