Scottish retail sales grow by 0.6% in 2018 Quarter 4

In 2018 Quarter 4, the quantity of retail sales in Scotland grew by 0.6 per cent compared to the previous quarter, according to statistics announced today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

The Retail Sales Index Scotland (RSIS) for Quarter 4 (October to December) 2018. RSIS can be used as an early indicator of consumer spending and economic performance. Over the same period Great Britain as a whole saw a 0.2% contraction.

The value of Retail Sales (how much was spent) grew by 1.0% during the fourth quarter of 2018. Over the same period Great Britain as a whole saw a 0.1% contraction.

Background 

Read the full statistical publication, 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 are also used in quarterly GDP statistics, accounting for approximately 6% of Scotland’s economy.

Figures for Great Britain as a whole are produced by the Office of National Statistics (ONS):

Further information on Scottish economic statistics

Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff. Read more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland