Scottish shops performing poorer than UK average

16 Oct 2012

Scottish shops are still performing more poorly than their UK equivalents, a report has revealed.

KPMG said, despite a slight improvement in retail over the past year, businesses may have to increase discounts in order to encourage more sales.

The firm added that a 3.4 per cent rise in food sales was driven by promotions and offers, rather than increased consumer confidence.

The ongoing struggle comes as the SNP pursue two Scotland-only taxes which hit the sector.

The Scottish Conservatives have called on the Scottish Government to drop both its retail levy and plans to increase tax on empty properties.

Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Gavin Brown MSP said:

“These latest figures demonstrate once again the fragility of the sector.

“It is time for the Scottish Government to listen to the people who know and reverse its Scotland-only business taxes.

“We should be helping the sector instead of putting obstacles in its way.”