Women's swimwear, cosmetics & fragrances sales up in July

21 Aug '06

4 min read

Retail sales in Scotland increased 2.8 percent in July on a like-for-like basis. This is a slowing from the more robust growth rates of the previous two months. Total sales, including stores opened in the last year, showed an increase of 7.8 percent which is the highest rate since July 2005 (if April 2006 is discounted due to the late Easter effect).

Sector Performance in July
Clothing - Overall sales fell further below year-earlier levels, having picked up in April and May when the weather finally improved. People were reluctant to shop in the heatwave, especially if they had already bought summer fashions earlier in the year. July's hot weather benefited summer fashions, but often at reduced prices in clearance sales.

Women's dresses, tops, shorts and swimwear sold well. Menswear was more difficult, although shorts, light tops and swimwear were popular. For both men and women, sales of formal suits and jackets and jeans were more difficult. Accessories were popular, notably handbags and sunglasses.

Footwear -The hot weather discouraged shoppers and overall sales were slow. Sandals and casuals were preferred to formal styles. There was a very poor start to back-to-school selling, as parents postponed shopping trips until nearer the start of the new term, hoping for more comfortable weather.

Furniture and carpets - Garden furniture sold well but indoor ranges suffered especially lounge, dining and kitchen. Floorcoverings were mixed: broadloom carpets and hard floorings - especially wood - did well, but rugs struggled in the hot weather, often with only the larger more expensive items still selling.

Health & beauty - Sales benefited from the hot weather and purchasing for holidays. Healthcare and toiletries showed positive growth, with hayfever remedies particularly strong. Suncare, skincare, haircare and footcare did well, often helped by promotions. Travel toiletries and accessories, such as ear plugs and flight socks, were popular. Cosmetics and fragrances remained strong, with good interest in new ranges.

The Scottish Retail Consortium

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