By Kristy Dorsey
Scotland’s largest outlet mall has reported “exceptional” sales amid wider evidence of pent-up demand after non-essential shops were allowed to reopen.
Livingston Designer Outlet said it experienced “by far” its strongest post-lockdown return during the two weeks from April 26, when Scottish restrictions eased to Level 3. Sales were up 69 per cent on the same fortnight of reopening in July 2020, and were 56% higher than in the same fortnight in 2019.
Outlet manager Karen Stewart said homeware, outdoor and sportswear recorded the biggest increases, with general fashion and beauty also surging.
READ MORE: Boost for clothing store sales as Scottish shops reopen, SRC survey shows
“After months of lockdown, pent-up demand to shop and with many having relied solely on online shopping for their retail fix, the thrill of in-person shopping has returned and our guests are embracing it,” she said.
The news from Livingston Designer Outlet emerged as official government figures showed a 9.2% hike in retail sales across the UK during April.
The data, weighted by the earlier April 12 re-opening of non-essential retail in England, showed that sales of clothing surged by nearly 70% compared to March. Including online sales, which dipped during the month to 29.4% of total spending, total retail sales were more than 10% higher against pre-pandemic levels.
READ MORE: Scottish footfall perks up as April sees stores reopen
Euan Murray of Barclays Corporate Banking said the fortunes of retailers have “twisted and turned dramatically” during the past year.
“Working from home remains the norm for many, and in April we saw the continuation of a trend towards localised shopping habits,” he said. “As consumers spend more time in and around their homes, the focus of purchasing behaviour has moved away from large cities and instead onto local towns.
“This development, coupled with an expected plateau in online spending post-lockdown, will play a key role in shaping the future of retail over the months and years ahead.”
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