SGF launch Scottish Election manifesto urging MSPs to champion local stores at the heart of their community
MSPs challenged to protect local lifeline services from the alarming rise in retail crime and promote thriving local economies by reducing the cost of business.
The leading trade association for the Scottish convenience sector has today (Tues 29th July), published its manifesto ahead of the Scottish General Election on 7th May 2026. Setting out key priorities for the next Scottish Government and calling for newly elected MSPs to support their local shops.
The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) represents over 5,220 convenience stores, which provide over 55,000 jobs in Scotland. The sector also contributes £47.1bn worth of sales, £10.8bn in GVA and £9.4bn in taxes across the UK.
Local retailers now face a variety of challenges severely impacting the sector and putting essential local services at risk. More resources to tackle retail crime is top of the election agenda for the trade association. With 83.5% of members reporting an increase in violence toward shop workers and the average cost of retail crime skyrocketing to £19,673 per store in 2024/25 (up 38% from the previous year).
Tighter restrictions across several product categories also feature heavily, with the cost of business undermining potential for growth for many retailers. Increasing costs for providing vital local employment, and a real terms reduction in support for business rates similarly means less reinvestment in local services and higher prices for customers also facing a crisis in living standards.
Setting out SGF’s stall for the General Election, SGF President and independent retailer for Watson’s Grocers - Moniaive, Graham Watson, said:
“Retail is absolutely vital to the Scottish Economy, and convenience stores are at the very heart of the communities they serve. Providing essential lifeline goods and facilities that boost local wellbeing, growth and employment.
“Our Scottish Ministers have a duty to ensure that staff and businesses can work in safety and free from the fear of abuse and threatening behaviour. As well as working with the UK Government to ensure new regulation supports rather than hinders our good, well-meaning businesses, rather than pulling the rug out from under them.
“That is why we are asking the new government, whatever its political outlook, to take a serious look at how detrimental business rates and overregulation are impacting small business and local shops.
“Our manifesto sets out the key priorities for our sector, where powers rest with decision makers in the Scottish Parliament, and over the coming months we will keep a close eye on the promises that are made throughout the campaign to support business and grow the economy.”
SGF plans to host a Scottish General Election Hustings for retailers and Scottish convenience representatives in the Spring of 2026. All of the major political parties in Scotland have been issued advanced copies of the SGF Manifesto will be invited to attend the hustings and set out their plans for the next Scottish Parliament.
