THE value of retail sales in Scotland in June was down 1.4 per cent on the same month of 2015, in contrast to a year-on-year rise in the UK as a whole, amid weakness in the clothing category.

The Scottish Retail Consortium’s June figures, published today, also show the first year-on-year rise in the value of food sales north of the Border since December, although this increase was only 0.1 per cent.

In contrast, the value of non-food sales in Scotland last month was down by 2.6 per cent on June 2015.

Analysing June trading in the clothing retail category, the SRC said: “Promotions were prevalent, with some retailers bringing their sales period forward to help stimulate demand. Seasonal lines were hit the hardest as the unsettled weather set in. All three [clothing] segments reported disappointing sales, with the women’s and children’s more impacted that the men’s segment.”

However, sales of electrical items were buoyant in Scotland last month, as a raft of sporting events encouraged consumers to buy televisions and sales of computers and tablets picked up.

David McCorquodale, head of accountancy firm and SRC survey sponsor KPMG’s UK retail sector practice, said it was not possible to forecast fully at this stage the impact on consumers of last month’s vote for the UK to leave the European Union.

However, while noting retailers might benefit from people having to opt for staycations because of the greater cost of overseas holidays arising from the weaker pound, he also underlined the uncertainty created by the Brexit vote.

And the SRC highlighted signs that consumer confidence may have been hit by the vote to leave the EU.

The SRC’s June figures continue the pattern in recent years of much weaker year-on-year movements in sales value in Scotland than in the UK as a whole.

Figures published last week by the British Retail Consortium showed the value of UK retail sales last month was up by 0.2 per cent on June 2015, albeit this marked a sharp slowing in the year-on-year rate of growth from 1.4 per cent in May.

The SRC has highlighted the boost to overall UK retail sales from relatively strong housing market and economic conditions in London and south-east England.

However, the overall UK retail sector continues to endure difficult times amid weakness in the broader economy.

Mr McCorquodale highlighted some positives in the Scottish retail sector, in spite of the overall year-on-year fall in sales value, including improved sales for grocers and strong demand for some big-ticket items.

He said: “Although total sales are down on last year, the grocery sector saw a change in fortunes, registering its first growth in sales since December. Big-ticket items in the non-food category continued to perform strongly.

“Bolstered by a summer of sport, electricals fared particularly well, as consumers looked to buy the latest televisions to watch the football, tennis and golf. That being said, the food retail market continues to face challenges.”

Mulling the June 23 vote to leave the EU, and acknowledging the weaker pound would make it cheaper for overseas visitors to holiday in Scotland, Mr McCorquodale added: “We can’t yet fully predict how the cost impact of leaving the EU will trickle down to the consumer. Where we have already seen an impact is on the rising cost of family holidays abroad. As a result, we expect to see retailers try to benefit from staycations and overseas tourists in the short term.

“One thing for certain is that, regardless of the weather forecast, the retail sector should be braced for further change and uncertainty as the politicians begin the process of brokering a new deal with Europe.”

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, head of policy and external affairs at the SRC, said: “It’s far too early to tell whether the vote on membership of the European Union will have an impact on retail sales and shop prices. Scottish retailers remain open for business, and the vote has not changed their commitment to deliver for customers. However, there are signs that customer confidence may have faltered since June 23.”