Summer sun boosted high street sales finds Scottish Retail Sales Monitor Scotland's high streets have enjoyed their best performance for more than two years after a double whammy of summer sunshine and Andy Murray's Wimbledon success boosted sales. Total sales in July were 4% higher than they had been in the same month last year, the best growth since April 2011. For the first time since March 2011, Scotland saw a greater increase in sales than the UK as a whole, which had a 3.9% increase in total sales last month. The increase comes after retailers saw total sales rise by 2.8% in June and Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), said: "A double whammy of feel-good factors pushed Scottish sales growth into record-breaking territory in July. Sunshine and sporting successes boosted the public mood and willingness to spend further after a promising pick-up in June. This helped to deliver an excellent showing which tops the UK total for the first time since March 2011. The latest SRC KPMG Scottish Retail Sales Monitor also showed that like-for-like sales, which strip out factors such as new store openings, had increased by 1.4% in July when compared to 12 months ago. Total food sales were 5.6% higher last month than they had been in July 2012 - the best growth the sector has seen since April 2011. The best sellers in the soaring temperatures were barbecue foods, ice cream and summer fruits, such as strawberries and raspberries, as well as soft drinks and ice cubes. Meanwhile, total non-food sales were up 2.6%, which was the largest increase since December 2009. Summer clothes sold well and there was sustained demand for sandals and canvas shoes while the warm weather meant suncream was also in demand from shoppers. But sales of tablet computers slowed down, with consumers waiting for the latest versions of the devices to come on to the high street. Ms Moriarty said: "Summer food, seasonal fashions and outdoor living products were stand-out performers in what was an impressive month. In the second warmest July on record, demand for picnic and barbecue fare drove a strong performance for food while non-food leapt up to its best result since December 2009. 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. She added: "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. David McCorquodale, head of retail at KPMG, 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 summer 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. It is with cautious optimism that I look forward to the rest of the year.