Scots could receive shopping vouchers to boost embattled retail sector

Scots could receive shopping vouchers to boost embattled retail sector
// Scottish Government considering shopping vouchers for Scots to help struggling retail sector
// Northern Ireland is due to roll out a voucher scheme early in the new year
// It comes as much of Scotland exits lockdown today

The Scottish Government is mulling the idea of handing out shopping vouchers to Scots in a scheme to help the country’s struggling retail sector.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the initiative was something it is ā€œconsideringā€.

It comes after non-essential retailers in 11 council areas across Scotland, including Glasgow and Stirling, opened their doors for first time in three weeks today after soaring Covid-19 cases pushed these areas into lockdown.


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An industry leader said it was ā€œencouragingā€ ministers are considering their calls for a voucher scheme – which they believe could help retailers in the post-Christmas period, when sales can drop.

Northern Ireland is due to roll out a voucher scheme early in the new year, with qualifying people to be given between Ā£75 and Ā£100 to spend in shops – but not online.

Scottish Retail Consortium director David Lonsdale said a similar scheme in Scotland could give a ā€œmuch-needed shot in the armā€ to shops and other businesses.

He spoke after Sturgeon confirmed the Scottish Government was ā€œlooking at that and considering thatā€.

She said: ā€œIt is something that is under consideration. Northern Ireland have recently announced an initiative of that nature, so we will look at their example as well.ā€

Lonsdale said: ā€œIt is encouraging that Scottish ministers appear to have listened and are responding positively to our calls to consider the potential for a high street voucher scheme.

ā€œThe retail industry and our high streets are facing profound challenges at the current time due to a combination of factors including pandemic-induced restrictions and economic downturn, which have weighed on consumer demand.

ā€œIf a voucher along the lines envisaged for Northern Ireland is introduced here it could put money into people’s pockets and help get the Scottish economy moving again, giving a much-needed shot in the arm to shops and other consumer-facing firms like eateries in the leaner months early in the New Year.

ā€œOur hope is that any such voucher would trigger additional spending by shoppers and consumers beyond the value of the voucher transaction, creating an even larger economic multiplier.ā€

The SRC has already used its budget submission to the Scottish Government to call for a voucher scheme to be brought in.

with PA Wires

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