Retailing and Small Shops

Citation

Smith A & Sparks L (1997) Retailing and Small Shops. Scottish Government. Development Department Research Programme Research Findings, 40. The Scottish Office, Edinburgh. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/1998/12/af4d44b5-ae93-419f-94de-2d6d2a6d5cba

Abstract
This work was commissioned by The Scottish Office in 1996 to inform understanding of the role of small shops and their contribution to the retail industry in Scotland. The study was to provide information on the role of small shops; to consider the ways in which planning policy affects small, and particularly, independent shops; to assess whether the planning system can draw useful distinctions between small shops generally and independent retailers; and, advise on the economic issues generally affecting small shops. Main Findings and Recommendations: inadequacies in the data on retailing in Scotland hinder policy development in this area; certain locations eg. rural village shops and isolated stores perform a community and social role which is worthy of support; an enhanced support mechanism focused more on business development as well as subsidy provision would have more likelihood of ongoing success; better dissemination of examples of good practice for small shops could enhance learning about operational opportunities; individual neighbourhood centres need to be assessed to see if they have outlived their original function and can thus be replaced; local authorities should consider commercial improvement areas for selected streets and centres which have a particular retail function; the role of LECs with respect to retailing needs to be investigated further.