Scottish independent retailers say Brexit is already affecting business
WITH March set to be a huge month for Brexit, commentators have been busy discussing the potential impact that decisions made in Westminster might have on businesses.
But, for many c-store retailers in Scotland, the effects of Brexit are already being felt.
Scottish Grocer caught up with three retailers across the country to hear about how the events in Parliament have been impacting on their business, and what concerns they have about the months that lie ahead.
Janet Williamson, of Spar St Monan’s in Fife, was in no doubt that price rises were beginning to set in.
“We are already seeing the effects of it,” she said. “This morning I was putting an order in for Weetabix, and it is going up by 80p.
“We’ve been seeing this for two years now, ever since Brexit was first voted on, and I anticipate that it will get worse after Brexit itself.”
Omar Nasir, of Spar Leven Street in Motherwell, agreed. “I think prices are going to go up. I’ve seen it already – in alcohol and cigarettes, suppliers are putting their prices up.
“Stock is harder to get now as well, some things that used to always be in stock we now need to wait one or two weeks to get.
“I have heard customers talking about it, saying that prices are going up, asking what they are going to do afterwards… this and that.”
This feeling of uncertainty is one shared by Saleem Sadiq, of Spar Renfew, who said that “no one wants to move forward” while there is still so much up in the air.
“It’s affecting jobs, affecting the economy on a larger scale because people don’t know what is happening. Jobs are moving out of the country, the pound is going down in value. I think the quicker we get away from Brexit, the better.
“I think it is uncertainty from everyone, there is no conclusion and everyone is in turmoil psychologically.
“Whether Brexit happens or not – and personally I wish it didn’t happen – we won’t know until it actually happens, what effect it will have on the economy as a whole. It is just waiting to see.”
Stock is harder to get now as well, some things that used to always be in stock we now need to wait to get.
Janet Williamson agreed that there was a lot of ambiguity about Brexit, and found that even suppliers and wholesalers weren’t in a position to offer much reassurance.
“I don’t think even the brands or suppliers know what is going to happen. That’s the problem- nobody knows.”
And in regards to the key Brexit votes taking place this month, Janet reckoned that the most likely outcome was a delay to the UK’s exit from the EU.
Omar also thought that the date of leaving might be delayed, because in his view, “the parties can’t agree on anything.”
He also said that if there was a second referendum on Brexit, he expected that the Leave camp could be in trouble.
“I think if we had another vote it wouldn’t be the same result, people have opened their eyes to what it involves.”
But for Saleem, one of the strongest emotions among his customers was boredom with the very mention of Brexit.
“Most customers you talk to, especially when it was all getting voted on, are just really fed up with it.
“They feel there are more important things in life to be getting on with rather than worrying about Brexit. Most people are fed up hearing about it.”
