Rain, snowfall and plummeting temperatures have contributed to a tricky start to the trading season for Perth’s retailers.
Heavy rainfall across Perth and Kinross during December and January ensured that the traditionally busy Boxing Day and New Year sales were something of a damp squib for many.
And it has been bad news ever since, with clothing retailers hit particularly badly by the continuation of winter temperatures.
Consumer confidence, meanwhile, remains at a low ebb, with shoppers holding on to their money amid tough economic conditions. Figures released by the Scottish Retail Consortium have revealed consistent growth in Scottish retail sales since the beginning of the year.
Nonetheless, it found the clothing category saw poor growth due to cold weather deterring shoppers from checking out spring ranges. That experience has been reflected within Perth, where retailers are bemoaning a continuation of last year’s unseasonal rain and sunshine.
Autumn and winter clothing ranges sat on the shelves as Perth and Kinross enjoyed an early heatwave, while summer items then sat untouched on the rails during weeks of seemingly incessant rainfall.
Businesses had been hoping for better fortune during 2013 but their hopes have so far been dashed. The local retail sector has, however, responded with a new programme of investment aimed at improving the city’s retail offering even further.
Independent department store McEwens of Perth the city centre’s largest retailer is currently spending heavily on the infrastructure of its business.
Chairman John Bullough said such investment in the shopping experience was vital to help the store through difficult times. “Poor weather has destroyed the first quarter’s performance in all our stores.
“The snow at the end of January and the end of March had a significant impact on key trading periods.
“After the coldest Easter on record, many fashion stores are still holding large quantities of summer stock which won’t be sold until the weather improves.
“Our loyal customers still react to strong promotional activity but our vision and strategy is very much focused on offering exclusive products and services in a unique environment.
“Speciality shopping, which is the greatest reason for coming into Perth city centre, is our clear point of difference and we are investing in our stores over the next six months to enhance this.”
Elsewhere in the city centre, the owner of the St John’s Shopping Centre has started work on a major redevelopment.
The upgrade will provide two new flagship retail stores and a further three refurbished retail units and general improvements to the mall.
As part of the redevelopment, Swedish fashion giant H&M is to open a new 17,000 square foot store, while River Island will soon move into a new 10,000 square foot store.
Gillies of Broughty Ferry, meanwhile, is expanding the size of its Perth branch by as much as 50%, creating new showrooms and adding a restaurant in the glass atrium overlooking Perth Concert Hall.
Independent retailers and businesses in Perth have also come together to highlight the wealth of gems in the retail sector. A new guide features 70 businesses under the Shop Local Perth banner.
There have been losses to the retail sector, nevertheless, with HMV and Comet among the most prominent casualties.