Scotland's shops are set to score from the European football
championships with new research finding one in eight Scots plan
to spend more on food and drink to enjoy whilst watching matches.
Electrical and sporting goods shops are likely to do well, as
well as grocery and food-to-go businesses alongside those who
sell merchandise and souvenirs.
The results are from a new poll of 2,000 UK shoppers as part of
the British Retail Consortium's Consumer Sentiment
Monitor, supported by Opinium. It comes ahead of the opening
match of the Euros this Friday which will see Scotland take on
hosts Germany in Munich.
The polling found:
- 12% of Scots plan to spend more on groceries, alcohol, and
takeaways to enjoy whilst watching the Euros
- 4% plan to host or attend gatherings with family and friends
to watch matches
- 11% of shoppers expect to buy a new TV or electronic device
to watch and keep up with the Euros
- 7% plan to purchase official merchandise
Over and above this, 6% of respondents said they hoped to attend
the championships in Germany in person. However, the
championships only speak to half the country, with 49% saying
they weren't planning any activities in relation to the event.
It comes after the latest sales monitor from the Scottish Retail
Consortium and KPMG found retail sales in Scotland had
essentially flatlined, declining by 0.1% over the past quarter.
Commenting on the research David Lonsdale, Director of the
Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“With football fans across the country getting behind Steve
Clarke and the Scotland team ahead of the European championships
this should kick-start a brighter period of trading for Scottish
stores. Retailers will be supporting every tackle, save, and goal
that takes Scotland further into the competition and which could
well provide a much needed boost to spending. With the Paris
Olympics following fast on the heels of the Euros, this summer of
major sporting events could provide retailers with a welcome
lift, especially if fans are given something to celebrate over
the coming weeks.”
