New store openings are beginning to outstrip closures, according to a new study of Scotland’s high streets by professional services firm PwC.
But the group’s research also revealed that the pace of turnover in retail units is quickening with the number of closures tripling on last year and as many as three shops a day pulling down the shutters for good during the first half of this year.
New-starts quadrupled in the six months to June, with analysis of UK-wide statistics showing hairdressers, fast food outlets, discount and betting stores in the ascendancy.
Analysis of multiple retailers by the Local Data Company found Dundee saw a net reduction of seven stores during the period, while Perth experienced a drop of two and Falkirk fell six.
But strong increases in major citiesincluding Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen resulted in a net gain of 102 stores across Scotland despite a total closure figure of 564.
PwC head of private business CarolineRoxburgh said the high street must continue to transform itself to be relevant in a new retail sector.
“The Scottish retail sector has been able to tell a much more positive story in 2013 than in previous years, with reports emerging throughout the summer of year-on-year increases in retail sales figures,” she said.
“The challenge will be for the sector to build on its growing confidence and sustain this performance into 2014.
“What’s also been interesting this year is the continuing transformation of our traditional retailers and stores as they respond to the changing behaviour of their digitally-enabled customers.
“As we look to the New Year, the high street needs to continue to transform itself to be relevant to the ‘new normal’ shopping behaviour in the same way that retailers are being forced to.
“Hopefully this data shows a step in the right direction.”
PwC said the study also revealed the “changing make-up” of Scotland’s town centres.
Ms Roxburgh said the moves were a barometer for “changes in our society”.
“Closures in areas such as the photography and video sectors reflect the sea-change in how consumers are spending the well-publicised insolvencies at Jessops and Blockbuster are stark proof of that,” she said.
“Women’s clothing store reductionsreflect the intense competition in this sector and also the impact that online retailers are having on this market.
“Openings in areas such as cheque cashing and pawnbrokers reflect a society where a sizeable part of the population is forced to turn to these types of borrowing for basic needs.
“More convenience shops have opened as multiple grocers seek ways to increase further their market share.”