Scottish retail sales flat in 2017 Quarter 4

During 2017 Quarter 4, the retail sales were flat in volume terms (0.0 per cent growth), according to statistics announced today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician. The value of retail sales in Scotland increased by 1.1 per cent during 2017 Quarter 4, meaning that consumers spent more than they did in the previous quarter to buy the same quantity of goods.

Over the year since 2016 Quarter 4, retail sales in Scotland have increased by 1.7% in volume terms and by 4.9% in value. Average retail store prices in Scotland (the implied deflator) increased by 3.2% annually.

The equivalent figures for retail sales volumes in Great Britain as a whole, produced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), are growth of 0.4% in the latest quarter, and 1.0% over the year since 2016 Quarter 4.

The Retail Sales Index for Scotland is a measure of the sales by retailers in Scotland. It is frequently used as an early indicator of how the economy performed in the latest quarter and of the strength of consumer spending. The figures published today cover the period from October to December 2017.

Background 

The full statistical publication is available at

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/PubRSI/RSIS2017Q4

including a visual summary of key findings, and detailed results back to 2008.

All estimates are seasonally adjusted to account for of busier retail periods (such as the peak season at Christmas). The data used for these statistics is also a component of the Scottish Quarterly GDP Publication, accounting for approximately 6% of the Scottish economy.

Further information on Scottish economic statistics can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/

Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About