High street price rises may be in the pipeline because of oil, experts say

The prediction is contained in the Royal Bank of Scotland Retail Sales Monitor, which has found further brisk spending in the shops.

Business last month was up 5.5% on September last year.

But economists have issued a warning that oil and other commodities could add to costs and slow sales growth in the months ahead.

The latest figures show high street takings are still booming, even before the effect of shops which have just opened is considered.

Christmas period

However, analysts also found some gloom among customers.

Relatively warm weather meant spenders were less interested than normal in buying new clothes for the autumn and winter.

But the Scottish Retail Consortium said the figures were still reassuring for the run-up to Christmas.

Sales have risen by more than 5%

July's figures suggested wet summer weather had failed to dampen spending. Total sales in June grew by more than 8% - well ahead of the rest of the UK.

Outdoor goods such as summer sandals did not sell well but that was offset by growth in other areas.

The rise in total sales was even more marked - a year-on-year increase of 8.2% in Scotland, compared to 5% south of the border.