STIRLING SEES RISE IN VACANT SHOP UNITS AS CITY TRADERS STRUGGLE
The Stirling Business Improvement District (BID), Go Forth Stirling, says that the number of vacant units in Stirling city centre has risen as high street retailers pulled out amid restrictions.
Reflecting on a year of hardship for city retailers, project director Danielle McRorie-Smith said:“Stirling – like other Scottish cities – has inevitably seen trade hit badly by the business closures resulting from lockdowns and Covid restrictions over the past year.
“And of course, Stirling faced stricter measures at times – compared to neighbouring areas such as Clackmannanshire and Falkirk among others – after the area was placed in level four restrictions for longer periods towards the end last year.”
She added:“Over the past year, the number of vacant units in Stirling has risen with the largest casualties being national brands.”
She added that while national retailers with bases in Stirling have closed their stores there are some optimistic signs.
She said:“On a positive note, however, despite the pandemic and uncertainty for business owners there is absolutely a notable appetite for independent ventures in the city.”
Over the past year Go Forth has been working to help BID companies improve their online offerings – which became vital while premises were closed - by approving £27,000 of ecommerce grants to support businesses developing their digital presence.
Ms McRorie-Smith added: “Throughout the pandemic, Go Forth has supported local business in various ways such as the provision of sneeze screens and social distancing stickers ready for reopening in the summer.
“We also provided online courses which staff and business owners could participate in during furlough and closure periods and which would help ready them for reopening.
“The BID also suspended and then cut the annual levy payment to help support businesses.
“Some companies – such as Specsavers and Historic Environment Scotland – have, however, chosen to pay the full levy to demonstrate their support of the BID itself and to help other local businesses by contributing to BID funds which ultimately benefit all Stirling traders.
“This is a great tribute to the work done by the BID and recognition that members appreciate the support they have been given.
“This is also reflected by GFS winning the regional High Street Heroes award – a recognition which is great for the city as a whole and should instil confidence in prospective business ventures.”