THE “GOLDEN age” of online retailing may be at an end as parking and traffic restrictions loom, it is claimed.
Scotland’s retail landscape is changing as both online and traditional stores adapt to challenges to their business model, according to the latest report by Colliers International.
However, the commercial real estate company’s Midsummer Retail Report highlights that free delivery for online retailing is reaching an end, while Scottish experts said that high streets are still struggling and differing environmental priorities could lead to a two-tier retail sector north and south of the Border.
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John Duffy, a director on the retail team at Colliers in Scotland, said: “Attitudes are changing and it is easy to see a
time in the not too distant future when delivery firms face extra taxes or restrictions.
“The Scottish Government has already taken a lead on issues such as the smoking ban and drink drive limits, so the challenge and opportunity is there for Holyrood to take the initiative.
“This could make Scotland a test bed for a new retail model, and it will be interesting to see what knock-on effect this has on the traditional High Streets and shopping centres.”
The report found that unsustainable business models, growing competition and environmental concerns are likely affect the future of free delivery and returns services from online retailers.
Mr Duffy said measures could be introduced that would serve to “redress the current imbalance between the tax cost of high street retail compared with online retail”.
He said: “This could take the form of a taxation to account for online retailers not having an equivalent business rates cost. Holyrood are currently considering a tax on motorists using city centre car parking, so why not this?”
Ross Wilkie, also of Colliers, said: “Although footfall is down and consumers are not spending with much enthusiasm, there are retailers that are looking to expand, albeit on a selective basis.”
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