Dundee’s retail sector is better placed to tackle the challenging conditions facing the economy than many other cities, according to a local business leader.
Derek Little, chairman of city centre action group DD One, believes that regeneration work within Dundee coupled to the arrival of new retailers has sent an important message to people that the city is open for business.
Mr Little’s words come amid great uncertainty in global markets and a report from commercial property consultants Ryden, who warn that there is no “single solution” to tackle rising retail vacancies in Scottish town centres.
However, while admitting that shop vacancies are inevitable in the economic climate, Mr Little says that perceptions of Dundee are changing for the better and the city has reasons to be optimistic.
He said, “We all know the reputation that Dundee had 20 years ago but these people are now having second thoughts.
“To have Superdry and Apple (stocked by the Stormfront store) come to the city is superb and it takes just one other and a lot of people will look again at Dundee.”
He added, “We have the V&A, Discovery, the Gallacher retail park and we’re getting a lot of good feedback from clients.
“There’s a lot of work going on in the background to encourage retail investment and when you see bits of the jigsaw coming together then we can look to the future.”
As fears mount over a second recession, many high streets continue to wear the scars of the one just past, with many shops lying empty.