SGF wants politicians to visit c-stores to discover impact of crime and soaring costs
SCOTTISH c-store retailers are being urged to invite their MSPs to their shops – to show the true effects of crime and soaring business costs on the sector.
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has emailed its members a templated letter/email to send to their Holyrood representatives in a nationwide campaign launched today (28 April, 2025).
The initiative is fully backed by Scottish Grocer and you can find a link here to take you to an online copy of the letter.
And the SGF has issued a set of instructions on how to use the letter, along with details of an online MSP locator. These can be found here.
Retailers are being encouraged to tailor the letter to reflect the issues facing their own outlets, with the SGF saying its officials will happily attend visits by MSPs to its members’ stores.
SGF chief executive Pete Cheema said: “Local shops and retailers are at the very heart of their communities, providing essential goods and lifeline services that boost not only the economy but the wellbeing of residents.
“Just a few years ago, we were applauded as the fourth emergency service, keeping the doors open and helping to protect the most vulnerable during the Covid pandemic. But many stores are now struggling to keep the lights on.
“Alongside issues such as higher energy costs, inflation, and the cost-of-living crisis, our governments are piling on the pressure with hugely increased employment costs, restrictions across a range of product areas and reduced support with business rates.
“On top of that is the most important issue for our members – retail crime. Crime in stores, abuse of shop workers and the illicit trade are now endemic in every city, town, and village in Scotland.
“It costs convenience businesses an average of £19,600 per year and threatens the safety and wellbeing of our hard-working staff.
“This joint campaign, delivered with the help of Scottish Grocer, is designed to encourage MSPs to visit and support their local retailers and take their cause back to Parliament.”
