Launching their new social media campaign on safe shopping, the SRC is encouraging shoppers to queue considerately, maintain social distancing, wear face coverings, be respectful to shop staff, and not to leave Christmas shopping until the last moment.

The SRC has estimated that 45% of so-called non-essential stores in Scotland have been shuttered over the past three weeks as a result of the Level 4 local lockdowns, and that together they have lost out on about £12.5 million a day in revenues.

Non-essential shops were shuttered for 14 weeks in the Spring to help the fight against the pandemic, and shuttered for 16 weeks for those within shopping centres and malls. The SRC/KPMG retail sales monitor shows that over the past four months non-food stores in Scotland are consistently trading about a fifth down on last year.

The reopening on Friday in these eleven council areas marks a crucial milestone for hundreds of retailers as we approach Christmas. December traditionally accounts for £1 in every £8 spent during the year, and the revenues generated often helps tide those shops over the leaner winter months when retail sales are at their lowest.

Retailers in Scotland have invested significantly, to the tune of £45 million thus far, in social distancing and hygiene measures such as plexiglass screens at counters, signs and floor markings around the store, and new rotas and procedures for cleaning.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Across large swathes of Scotland, hundreds of shops which have been shuttered for three long weeks are looking forward to getting back to serving their local customers. Shutdown has cost these stores £90 million a week in lost revenues.

“It has never been more important to play our part in keeping our towns and retail destinations vibrant. Every purchase from a shop helps support jobs in local retail and throughout the supply chain. Retailers continue to work around the clock to maintain a safe shopping environment, so customers can have the confidence to return to their favourite shops.

“However, once the initial surge of pent up demand for goods has passed and Christmas is behind us, it is likely many stores will continue to suffer from lower footfall over the coming months. Indeed, prior to the local lockdowns shopper footfall was down a third, with shop vacancies at a five-year high.”

He added: “Shops and retail jobs depend on the ongoing support of the public, and the coming weeks and months will certainly determine the future of our high streets for years to come. Many retailers will remain in a fight to come out of this crisis.

“Whilst a return to trading is crucial, it will not be a panacea for the industry. That’s why we hope to see early clarity from government over continued rates relief for the coming year, and short term stimulus to boost consumer confidence and spending perhaps through a high street voucher scheme like Northern Ireland is implementing.

“Pandemic-induced restrictions and economic downturn are weighing on consumer demand, and a high street voucher scheme could help get the economy moving again and give a much needed shot in the arm to shops and other consumer-facing firms like eateries in the leaner months early in the New Year.”