Tennis star Andy Murray’s Wimbledon heroics have been credited with giving Scottish retailers a welcome summer bounce.
The Dunblane ace’s latest major triumph sparked countrywide celebrations and helped take total food and drink sales 5.6% higher in July than at the same time last year.
Non-food sales were also 2.6% ahead on the year according to the latest monthly SRC/KPMG retail sales monitor, with Scottish vendors enjoying an overall 4% uplift in the month compared to 12 months earlier.
The uplift represented the largest sales growth in Scotland since April 2011 and saw Scottish sales leap ahead of the rest of the UK for the first time since March of the same year.
Over the past three months the sector has accelerated ahead at an average of 2.5% up from just 0.8% at the same juncture last year.
KPMG head of retail David McCorquodale 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 undoubtedly 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 the fashion retailers who, following an extended cold spring, finally got 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 sunshine to clear their summer collections.
“July was without doubt a good month on the Scottish High Street and, like the weather, was welcome and overdue.”
Fiona Moriarty, director of monitor co-sponsor the Scottish Retail Consortium, said the weather had been a major factor in the upturn during July.
However, she cautioned that not all retailers had enjoyed a good month.
“Summer food, seasonal fashions and outdoor living products were stand-out performers in what was an impressive month,” Ms Moriarty said.
“By way of contrast, it was a disappointing month for furniture and other homewares, as appetite for indoor living was diminished and many people prioritised putting their money towards updating their summer wardrobes, taking advantage of the good deals on offer, and enjoying the sunshine.
“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, bringing the three-month average to 2.5%, means things are certainly looking up for the time being.”