Two thirds of Fifers now prioritise local High Street shopping post lockdown

A new survey shows two thirds of people in the Mid Scotland and Fife constituency now prioritise shopping on their local High Street

And there is growing recognition of the fact that people need to get behind their town centres if businesses in them are to survive the consequences of Covid-19 and thrive beyond the pandemic.

The poll shows support for region’s town centre businesses as Scotland Loves Local campaign highlights the power of every pound spent in communities

People living in the Scottish Parliament regional list constituency were surveyed as part of a poll commissioned by Scotland’s Towns Partnership for the Scotland Loves Local campaign.

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It found that:

67% of people will always shop on their local high street rather than going further afield, whenever they can do so.

92% of those surveyed believe there is a strong chance that many businesses on the local high street will go bust if people don’t support them.

89% say it’s vital that people in their community support businesses on their local high streets.

The results have been welcomed as a signal of the strong support for the region’s town centres - highlighting the importance of people thinking local first and using businesses in their community.

Phil Prentice, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “The positive power of people across the region supporting their high street should not be underestimated.

“Every£1 spent locally flips six times in the area’s economy, so the knock-on effect is significant.

“Thinking local first protects jobs, helps the environment and helps make our communities better places to live.”

He added: “Our polling highlights how the community pride and the spirit of localism we’ve seen throughout the pandemic has strengthened support for town centres.

“As we all live more of our lives locally we must embrace this to ensure that stronger, more sustainable town centres are the beating heart of the future in Mid Scotland and Fife.”

Andrew McRae, Federation of Scotland’s policy chair, said: “Everyone understands that times are tough for many local operators. That’s why we need decision-makers and the general public to provide custom and support for these vital enterprises.”

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