Empty shops and To Let signs... our once Fair City’s high street is simply dying
ADECADE ago it was a top shopping destination, a bustling thoroughfare known for its mix of independent boutiques and big-name brands. But the years have not been kind to the Fair City of Perth. Its once popular High Street is lined with empty shop units and large ‘To Let’ signs. Where mannequins once stood, draped in the latest fashions, windows are bare and boarded up.
As one local shopkeeper warned recently, the city centre is ‘dying’.
Still suffering a hangover from Covid lockdowns, businesses face spiralling running costs, growing online competition and reduced footfall as shoppers feel the pinch.
In recent months, Perth’s High Street has lost fashion retailers Oliver Bonas and Crew Clothing, stationery store Paperchase and a number of independent cafes and shops. The loss of local bank branches over the past few years has also been a major blow.
When The Mail on Sunday visited Perth on Thursday lunchtime last week, a traditionally busy time, the pedestrianised retail precinct was practically deserted.
Marks & Spencer, one of the last stalwarts, is now flanked by a pawnbroker, where a couple with a pram were gazing at gold chains and watches.
Opposite the big-name retailer, a group of young men stood smoking e-cigarettes outside a new vape store.
Nail salons and charity shops have taken on some of the vacant units. But there is little hope of bigger name brands returning and independent retailers have also warned that their days may be numbered.
Less than two years after opening bridal shop Azura Couture in the city’s St John’s Place, Tanith Johnston has been forced to call time on the venture.
She said: ‘So much effort, time and money has gone into the business. It’s heartbreaking it has come to this but at the same time it will be a bit of a relief.
‘There are so many empty units, it’s affecting everyone. The past couple of years has been tough and Perth is dying.’
Those hanging on have called on the local council and the Scottish Government to act urgently.
Lori McGaffney, who runs women’s fashion boutique Eva Lucia, said: ‘This is definitely the most challenging time for business owners. We have seen a decline in footfall as people have less to spend and our bills have gone up massively. Utility costs have risen but so have business rates, the cost of stock and import duty post Brexit.
‘The Scottish Government really needs to reform business rates to help places weather the storm of decreased revenue and increased overheads. At a local level, more needs to be done to make our high streets accessible. There has to be a balance between commercial and environmental sustainability.’
Rhona Banks, who owns familyrun outdoor store Banks, agreed. She said: ‘To thrive, we need greater support. Businesses have to compete with online platforms like Amazon, which offer free delivery. More needs to be done to attract people to the high street – better, cheaper parking and the streets kept clean and safe.’
She added: ‘We have noticed a change in the demographic of shoppers. I think younger families with big mortgages and childcare costs have been hit hard and have less disposable income.’
For Perth shoppers, the downturn is also clear to see.
Retired teacher Karine Young, 79, regularly travels the 18 miles to Perth from her home in Invergowrie.
She said: ‘Dundee is closer for me but I’ve always liked the atmosphere in Perth. It always had a good mix of shops and wee places to eat. The decline in the High
Street in recent years has been really sad to see. It used to be a real bustling shopping destination.’
Fellow shopper Brian Imrie, 66, from Crieff, said: ‘Perth is now filled with charity shops and cutprice shops. The businesses many people came here for have gone.’ There is one glimmer of hope. While the retail sector is struggling, the hair and beauty industry appears to be holding up.
Dozens of city centre salons were packed with clients when the MoS visited last week.
Rae Peacock, 44, owner of Rae Peacock Hair and Beauty, which has been operating in Perth for almost a decade, said: ‘People are still keen to look after themselves and if you can offer them great service they will keep coming back. We are hopeful we will be OK.’
Perth and Kinross Council has been working with businesses on a number of strategies to ‘re-energise’ the city centre and hopes that the £27 million Perth Museum, which opens next year, will bring in visitors.
It also points to a 15-minute free on-street parking scheme to ‘encourage customers to pick up shopping rather than use delivery services’ – a policy that has frustrated many shop owners who would like at least an hour.
However, it seems that Perth needs much more than a sticking plaster solution if it is ever to return to its former glory as a shopping magnet for the local area.