The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Retailers call for free parking to boost trade
Traders’ opinions on how to raise footfall
LINDSAY DARROCH PARTNER ABERDEIN CONSIDINE We have just experienced yet another year when the retail sector, in particular high street operations, did not have its problems to seek. All shops in Britain are under pressure from rising costs and online shopping, as well as the possible Brexit impact. Close to home, Perth suffered a significant blow this month with news that the local branch of nationwide department store Beales is closing. Administrator KPMG announced that efforts to sell all 23 Beales outlets together have failed – and 12 of the shops, including the one in Perth, are to shut their doors. Retailers in Perth have strong opinions on what is needed to help boost shopping in the area. At a recent meeting, local traders highlighted their main concerns – with rates and car parking high on the agenda. John Bollough, former owner of McEwens before it entered administration in 2016, who is the current chairman of the Perth City Development Board, believes rates are to blame for the ongoing problems. He said: “The real culprit in my opinion is rates. Government policy, through planning and rates, systematically educated people to shop out of town.” Retailers now want two hours of free parking to be introduced in Perth city centre to help bring shoppers from the outskirts and beyond back to the high street. Meanwhile, on a national level, the Scottish Government is playing its part in trying to revitalise towns, with the £50 million town centre fund. The aim is to ensure that high streets are more diverse, sustainable and successful in the face of changing and evolving retail patterns. Dundee, and indeed the surrounding area, has been fortunate to benefit from a number of major economic announcements in recent times. One of the most high-profile developments was the opening of V&A Dundee. Earlier this month, the museum welcomed its one millionth visitor. The attraction opened in September 2018 and welcomed over 830,000 people in its first year – far exceeding the estimate of 500,000. All these extra visitors to Dundee are having a positive impact on a variety of business sectors, including hoteliers and retailers. The museum had a £75m economic impact across Scotland in its first year after opening, according to a new independent report. Angus has also been in the news recently, with the announcement that Carnoustie developer DJ Laing, along with Persimmon Homes, has submitted plans for a multi-million-pound housing and industrial park in the town – something which should hopefully attract more people and enhance opportunities for local shops and businesses.