Buoyant perfume sales are giving retailers hope for a Christmas shopping surge in defiance of fears of an economic chill.

Economists often look to the so-called Lipstick Index in tough times with shoppers’ willingness to spend on little luxuries reflecting wider levels of confidence in good times ahead.

However, sales of perfume not make-up is the indicator giving festive cheer to stores pinning their hopes on a December rush.

— Read more in The sweet smell of optimism: Perfume sales fuel retailers’ hopes for Christmas spending at Scotland's The Sunday Post.