Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has urged his constituents to avoid online retailers and support local shop owners to help revitalise the high street.
Local retailers reportedly rely on the ‘golden quarter’ between October and December to bank their greatest levels of profit. Depressed levels of consumer spending and the advent of discount online retailers has critically affected the sustainability of rural high streets.
Commenting this week Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Local Authorities across Scotland need to make rural shopping more attractive. Rural high streets offer unique, niche shopping experiences.
“A Conservative led initiative in Perth and Kinross over the Christmas period creating free-parking after 2pm on Thursdays and Fridays is just the type of forward thinking scheme necessary to revive the region’s high streets.
“In recent weeks revelations have surfaced that highlight the lack of corporation tax paid by big online retailers. By shopping local you will also be supporting tax-paying businesses.
“In Scotland thousands of jobs are supported by retail. Unfortunately, the increasing market share of online shopping threatens these jobs.
“Undoubtedly, online shopping has a role to play within consumer spending. However, real bargains can also be discovered by exploring your local shops.”