SCOTTISH retail sales volumes rose by 0.5% during the three months to June, but the second consecutive quarterly increase trailed a 0.7% jump in Great Britain as a whole, official figures reveal.
The figures, published yesterday by the Scottish Government, also show that retail sales volumes north of the Border in the second quarter were up 2.4% on the same period of 2012. This is ahead of a 1.7% year-on-year rise in retail sales volumes in Great Britain as a whole in the second quarter.
The retail sector accounts for about 5.5% of overall economic activity in Scotland.
Euan Murray, relationship director in Barclays' corporate banking division in Glasgow, said of the new figures: "The market continues to grow, with increased footfall driving higher sales, particularly in fashion and footwear.
"The summer heatwave is no doubt going to have a huge impact on sales of consumer goods, and we remain confident that this will only further encourage growth in the market in Q3."
Elizabeth Mackay, managing partner of advisory and restructuring firm Zolfo Cooper's Glasgow office, said: "(The) Scottish Retail Sales Index shows Scots have been waiting for a much-needed dose of sunshine before venturing out to spend their hard-earned cash."
She added: "Scottish retailers will be hoping the good weather continues throughout the summer to ensure consumers enjoy the best of what the high street has to offer.
"With average Scottish salaries growing at their fastest pace since 2007, and footfall growth far outpacing performance south of the Border, the outlook for the Scottish retail industry remains bright."
David Lonsdale, assistant director of the Confederation of British Industry in Scotland, said: "A return to even modest levels of consumer spending (growth) is welcome. However, confidence is unlikely to bounce back fully until the recovery becomes entrenched and family finances improve significantly."
Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "Our retail sector makes up over 5% of Scotland's economy, so it's good news to see trade picking up for the second quarter in a row. This is an encouraging sign of increasing consumer confidence for 2013."
However, he added: "It remains a tough time for the retail industry. Low income growth is still limiting consumers' ability to spend, so increases in retail sales are likely to be limited until the recovery gains pace."
In terms of value, without adjusting for inflation, Scottish retail sales rose 0.9% quarter-on-quarter in the three months to June.
And retail sales value north of the Border in the second quarter was up 3.6% on the same period of last year, the Scottish Government figures show.
In Great Britain as a whole, retail sales value in the second quarter was up 1.2% on the opening three months of this year, and 3.2% ahead of the same period of 2012.
Separate figures published last month by the Scottish Retail Consortium showed year-on-year growth in the value of retail sales north of the Border accelerated in June to its fastest pace since April 2011.
The value of sales in Scotland in June was up 2.8% on the same month of last year, according to the SRC, amid strong showings by food and clothing stores.
The SRC cited good weather as one factor behind the stronger sales growth. It also highlighted a build-up of "Murray-mania", ahead of Andy Murray's victory at Wimbledon, as something which had given Scottish consumers a boost in June.
The 2.8% year-on-year rise in Scottish retail sales value in June, in the SRC survey, was slightly adrift of a corresponding 2.9% rise UK-wide, reported by the British Retail Consortium. But it was well ahead of the 0.8% year-on-year rise in Scottish retail sales value in May.
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