Scottish retail sales rose in March
Like-for-like sales in March were 0.6% higher than in March 2009, when they had edged up only 0.5%.
Good Friday and Easter Saturday falling in the March trading period this year but in April 2009 boosted the year-on-year comparison. Total sales in March were 3.9% up on a year ago.
Both like-for-like and total sales growth were the best since December. Easter purchasing meant most of the growth came in the last week of the month, amid widespread promotions and special events.
Food sales growth picked up after two weak months. Non-food sales also improved, but remained down on a year ago. Clothing and footwear growth slowed. Homewares and furniture picked up but sales were still lower than a year ago.
Like-for-like sales improved less than they did in the UK. UK sales were 4.4% higher than in March 2009, when they had fallen 1.2%. Weaker consumer confidence in Scotland, especially about public sector job cuts, made shoppers more cautious about spending.
