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Scottish shop sales rise in first quarter of 2013 Scottish shop sales rise in first quarter of 2013
(35 minutes later)
Scotland's high streets drew in more business in the first three months of the year, according to official figures.Scotland's high streets drew in more business in the first three months of the year, according to official figures.
The volume of retail sales increased by 0.3% compared to the previous quarter, while their value grew by 0.6%.The volume of retail sales increased by 0.3% compared to the previous quarter, while their value grew by 0.6%.
Over the year, the amount of goods bought in Scotland rose by 2%, while shoppers spent 2.5% more.Over the year, the amount of goods bought in Scotland rose by 2%, while shoppers spent 2.5% more.
This was above the growth rate for Britain as a whole, which saw volumes up by 1.3% and value up by 2%.This was above the growth rate for Britain as a whole, which saw volumes up by 1.3% and value up by 2%.
The quarterly Retail Sales Index figures were released by Scotland's chief statistician.The quarterly Retail Sales Index figures were released by Scotland's chief statistician.
Finance Secretary John Swinney described the rise in the Scottish figures as "encouraging".Finance Secretary John Swinney described the rise in the Scottish figures as "encouraging".
He said: "The 0.3% rise in volume of retail sales comes after a small decline of 0.1% in the last quarter of 2012, suggesting a slight recovery in consumer confidence and purchasing at the start of the year.He said: "The 0.3% rise in volume of retail sales comes after a small decline of 0.1% in the last quarter of 2012, suggesting a slight recovery in consumer confidence and purchasing at the start of the year.
"Despite the encouraging retail sales figures, it remains a trying time for the retail industry and demonstrates again the need for the UK government to take urgent action to stimulate the economy.""Despite the encouraging retail sales figures, it remains a trying time for the retail industry and demonstrates again the need for the UK government to take urgent action to stimulate the economy."
'Buoyant start'
Analyst Euan Murray, from Barclays Corporate Banking, described the start of the year for retailers as "buoyant", following a decline in sales in the last quarter of 2012.
He said: "Food sales in particular will have benefited from the early Easter and also the unseasonably cold weather which encouraged consumers to dine in.
"Retailers continue to entice shoppers with good deals and, with cheaper lending and low interest rates giving people fewer reasons to save, we could see consumers spending more over the coming months.
"Certainly as we move into prime sporting season with a number of major golfing events taking place in Scotland, we expect to see a further boost to the local economy."