Retailers get lift as Scots consumers hit the shops – Daily Business

Scottish shoppers came out in greater numbers than elsewhere in the UK last month to give retailers a welcome mid-summer lift.

Footfall north of the border increased by 1.7% in June (YoY), up from 0.4% in May, while across the UK there was a 3.4% fall, (YoY), a further decline on the 2.6% fall in May.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, blamed the scorching weather for the weak UK figures. “Footfall dropped in June as the record heatwave kept many shoppers indoors,” she said.

That was borne out by data which showed high streets suffered the sharpest declines, while air-conditioned shopping centres and retail parks proved more resilient. 

Scotland’s figures included a particularly strong showing from Glasgow which began to recover from the devastating fire at Union Corner in March. Edinburgh, meanwhile, is coming to terms with the blaze in Princes Street this week which has closed the main thoroughfare and neighbouring streets. The impact of the incident will show up in this month’s figures.

The capital had seen zero change in June, while Glasgow saw a 6.1% rise. Scottish shopping Centre footfall increased by 0.5% in June (YoY), down from 1.3% in May. Retail Park footfall increased by 10.8% in June (YoY), up from 1.5% in May.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Shopper foot-traffic increased for a second consecutive month in June, with Scotland the only nation or region of the UK to record growth during the period – encouraging coming against a backdrop of subdued consumer confidence and elevated petrol pump prices following the Iran conflict.

“This positive trend was particularly strong in the lead-up to Scotland’s first and second World Cup matches, likely reflecting increased spending on food, drink and related merchandise.

“Glasgow emerged as the highest-performing city in the UK, supported in part by the further gradual reopening of pedestrian areas in the city centre following the Union Corner fire in March.

“Retailers in the city will be hoping the imminent start to the Commonwealth Games will provide a further boost to footfall and consumer spending.

“Retailers will also be looking to the likely incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to begin to make good on his pledge of a high street ‘renaissance’.

“Our retail destinations can be a springboard to help the wider economy bounce back; however, to achieve this, they need to become more cost-effective and desirable locations for retailers of all sizes to invest in.”

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, said: “This represents one of Scotland’s better months so far in 2026, offering a more encouraging signal as we pass the halfway point of the year.

“While Scotland also experienced high temperatures, recording its warmest day of the year at 29°C, conditions were less extreme than further south and may have been less disruptive to shopper activity.

“Despite June’s positive outcome, underlying consumer behaviour remains cautious. While confidence is improving slightly, it is still subdued. As we move into the second half of the year, the focus for retailers will be on sustaining this momentum and converting footfall into meaningful spend.”