Retail sector ‘needs coherent strategy’
Scottish retail chiefs have told Boris Johnson he needs to instigate a new strategy for the sector to help it grapple with the impact of Brexit.
David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), wants the Westminster and Scotttish governments to work together to ensure a “coherent” policy approach. He was speaking days after figures revealed a 2.3 per cent year-on-year drop across the Scottish retail sector in June, with non-food sales down 4.8 per cent.
At the time the SRC blamed “intense political and economic volatility” and the “unending Brexit gridlock” for sending confidence sliding among both retailers and consumers.
Before the new Prime Minister’s visit to Scotland today, Mr Lonsdale said it was “paramount” for Mr Johnston to break the current Brexit deadlock and deliver a lasting tariff and friction free trade deal with the EU.
He said: “It would help retailers keep down prices and ensure shoppers continue to have the widest possible choice on shop shelves.
“For example, grocery retailers will find it hard to maintain the quality, price and durability of fresh food without a trading arrangement with key continental suppliers.
“Confidence must also be injected back into the economy. Concerted action is required to help consumer spending take wing, reduce the cost of doing business and stimulate commercial investment.
“Wage-related outgoings account for the largest business cost ... greater visibility is required over the future direction for minimum wage rates.”