SHOPPERS flocked to the high street last month as record temperatures and Andy Murray's Wimbledon success created a mini-spending boom which resulted in sales growth in Scotland outstripping the rest of the UK.
Figures from the Scottish Retail Consortium showed spending was up in all categories compared to a year ago as rising economic confidence was translated into brisk business at the tills.
Murray's victory was hailed for driving sales of food and drink as fans celebrated, while the feel-good factor continued with better than expected demand for summer clothing, footwear, outdoor furniture and barbecues.
The statistics, published today, were echoed by yesterday's Scottish Government State of the Economy report, which said recovery from the recession is "gaining momentum".
David McCorquodale, head of retail at accountants KPMG, said there was cautious optimism that Scotland is shaking off the effects of the downturn and people are ready to start spending again.
He said: "Scottish retailers served up an ace in July with growth in sales outpacing the rest of the UK for the first time in more than two years.
"Andy Murray's Wimbledon victory started the rally with celebration parties driving food and drink sales early in the month. A prolonged spell of summer weather then boosted sales of barbecues, burgers and beer.
"Those with most to smile about were fashion retailers who, following an extended cold spring, finally got a reward from consumers who had confidence in the weather to buy summer clothing.
"Some may have already started discounting and others were beginning to launch Autumn collections but undoubtedly most made the most of the summer sunshine to clear their summer collections."
According to the report, total Scottish sales rose by 4% compared with July 2012, in comparison to 3.9% UK-wide. Meanwhile like-for-like sales in Scotland rose by 1.4% on the same period. This represents a big improvement on 2011, when both figures declined.
Overall, July saw the best growth in total sales since April 2011, with Scotland outpacing the rest of the UK for the first time since March 2011. Food sales were up by 5.6% on July 2012, and non-food sales increased by 2.6%.
Clothing shops which held back their autumn ranges benefited best from the sun, which also saw stocks of sandals and light canvas shoes sell out in some stores.
One knock-on effect was a slowdown in the amount of sales in school uniforms, which is normally strong in July, while sales of 'big ticket' items such as flooring and fitted kitchens also recorded a poor month.
Health and beauty sales were driven by demand for sun cream, while high-end products such as make-up and fragrances stayed on the shelves as people made fewer shopping trips.
Sales of electronic goods were driven by demand for fridges and freezers.
Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: "Sunshine and sporting successes boosted the public mood and willingness to spend further after a promising pick-up in June. This helped to deliver an excellent showing which tops the UK total for the first time since March 2011.
"Summer food, seasonal fashions and outdoor living products were stand-out performers in what was an impressive month. In the second warmest July on record, demand for picnic and barbecue fare drove a strong performance for food, while non-food leapt up to its best result since December 2009.
"It's too early to tell whether what we're seeing is a welcome but short-lived uplift or the beginnings of longer-lasting economic recovery. But this run of good growth means things are looking up for the time being."
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