PKC meeting challenges head-on with promo events

In the past year St John Street in Perth has lost some of its biggest names - among them McEwens of Perth and Austin Reed.

There have also been openings, with Wilkies and Brook Taverner confirming their presences in Perth.

The picture of comings and goings is reflected around the city, with Imprimo closing, and long established T Paterson on the High Street expanding while nearby Fair City fixture William Watson and Sons shut in recent months.

At the last count Perth and Kinross Council says that out of the 119 retail units on the High Street, which includes the Old High Street, there are currently seven vacancies which is a 5.8% vacancy rate. The overall vacancy rate is 9.3%. This rate remains one of the best in Scotland.

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said:“We are sad to hear about any retailer closing their doors, and wish the owners every success with their future endeavours. However, it is important to remember that the challenges we face in Perth are not unique to this city.

“The reality is that the marketplace is changing. The heyday of High Street shopping is no more, as the online market offers 24 hour shopping from the comfort of your own home.

“That is why we, and partners in Perth Traders Association, Perth City Development Board, and everyone involved in delivering the Perth City Plan is committed to looking at new ways to make it a more appealing place to live, visit, work and invest.

“Some of this is through the Perth City Plan, including the associated lighting strategy, making the city a nicer place to visit, particularly in the evening.

“The overwhelming success of the Light Nights at Norie-Miller Walk clearly demonstrate the potential lighting displays have to bring people to an area.

“We are currently working on how this experience can develop within the main city centre, and the lighting of the Council buildings at 2 High Street, and the lighting carpet installed in Skinnergate are early examples of how this can work.

“We’re also working with Culture Perth and Kinross, Perthshire Creates and Perth College UHI to take advantage of the new civic space within the refurbished 2 High Street as a new exhibition space, with a series of events including the Perth College UHI degree show in the next few months.

“In addition, the Perth City website and social media channels are used to promote and encourage use of the city centre and regularly advertise the businesses who make their home here, at no cost to them.

“The council has also committed £500,000 to marketing to encourage visitors from further afield into the city.

“Last year we also became the first council in Scotland to use new powers to offer enhanced business rates relief for independent retailers specifically responding to the concerns raised by our local retailers.

“On a national level council officers are engaging with and working with other cities in the Scottish Cities Alliance. This allows us to learn from their experience and work together to promote Perth and Scotland on a much wider stage.

“We are committed to continuing working to promote Perth as an attractive place to visit and spend time, and working with local businesses to address the challenges faced by the retail sector, but the single biggest thing anyone can do to help secure the future of businesses in Perth is to shop local.”