Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has given his backing to convenience store owners in Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire and has called on the Scottish Government to do more to help the sector.
Murdo met with representatives of the Scottish Grocer’s Federation who stand up for shop owners from both rural and urban communities.
The Scottish Grocers Federation brings together retailers throughout Scotland, from most of the Scottish Co-operative, SPAR, Scotmid, Nisa, Keystore, Costcutter, Martin McColl, Premier, Day Todays and local independents.
According to recent statistics (2007) there are just over 5,600 convenience stores throughout Scotland, with annual sales in excess of £3.2 billion.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“With the loss of many local post offices and pubs, convenience stores across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire are now forming the backbone of local communities.
“Corner Shops are sophisticated businesses that provide a wide range of services and in many ways operate as a meeting place and hub for people of all ages.
“Many of these businesses will benefit from the Small Business Bonus, supported by the Scottish Conservatives, and I will be pressing the Scottish Government to see this continue.”