Scottish retail sales ended 2018 ahead of UK, figures show
Retail sales increased in Scotland at a greater rate than the UK at the end of last year, figures show.
The volume of retail sales grew 0.6% in the fourth quarter of 2018, statistics published by the Scottish Government reveal.
In comparison, the volume of sales in the UK fell by 0.2% over the same period.
New Scottish economic stats: Q4 2018 Retail sales volume +0.6% (UK -0.2%), Sco GDP +0.2% 2018 Q3 showing sustained economic growth. International exports also up 6.2% on latest figures. Economic progress but threatened by #Brexit. @scotgoveconomy
— Derek Mackay MSP (@DerekMackaySNP) January 30, 2019
The value of retail sales also increased in Scotland, growing by 1% in the fourth quarter, while the UK-wide figure fell 0.1%.
The report notes that when the value of retail sales increases more rapidly than the volume of sales, it indicates prices are rising.
When the value of sales increases more slowly than the volume, it means prices are falling.
The fourth quarter figures cover the period from October to December.
