THE number of retailers on Scotland’s high streets closing has accelerated – but they are faring better than in Great Britain as a whole.

The figures were revealed in research by PwC, which cited growth in online shopping, a shift to in-home leisure and a rise in restructuring activity as key factors.

In the first half of 2018 there were 58 new store openings in Scotland’s main cities and towns, but the 107 closures meant a net change of -49.

However, the rate of net closures in Scotland was not quite as dismal as for Great Britain as a whole.

Figures on the latter showed that a net 1123 stores disappeared from the top 500 high streets in the first half of the year. The equivalent figure in 2017 was a net loss of 222.

Mark Addley, head of restructuring for PwC in Scotland, said: “Our analysis reveals a retail map which is continuing to change beyond recognition from a generation ago.

“The convenience of online shopping is making its mark on the high street, and we expect this will lead to retailers having to re-evaluate the purpose of their bricks and mortar operations.

“The intensity of the current retail climate which is being felt across Scotland’s towns and cities highlights that restructuring and new investment are required, but so are new ways of thinking.”

Nine towns and cities in Scotland were part of the study, with the results compiled by the Local Data Company.

Aberdeen fared worst in relative terms, with -4.24% net closures. Glasgow saw a net reduction of 11 stores, to 887, and Edinburgh fell by 13 to 992 stores.

The only areas to see an increase in store numbers were Ayr and Leith, in Edinburgh, which increased by one.

The data also highlighted the extent of migration from high streets to retail parks.

Over the period measured

67 high street stores and 40 stores in shopping centres closed, while the number of stores in retail parks remained static.

The analysis confirmed changes in Scots’ consumer habits, with men’s and women’s fashion shops among the most affected as shoppers move online.

Kitchen planning shops, opticians, shoe shops and banks were other categories which saw notable net closures.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “These figures demonstrate just how challenging and volatile times are just now for Scotland’s retail industry, as shown by several casualties of late on our high streets.

“Retailers are contending with profound changes in shopping habits, squeezed consumers and spiralling costs. Responding positively to structural change requires substantial outlays on digital infrastructure, a higher skilled workforce and revamped logistics capability.

“This is hugely challenging at a time when retailers are forking out more for public policy induced costs such as the apprenticeship levy, business rates and the large firms’ business rates surcharge.

“These figures should serve as a wake-up call to policy makers, with a far greater focus brought to bear on reducing the costs of doing business.”

The impact of company voluntary agreements (CVAs) and retail administrations saw new categories enter the fallers list in PwC data.

Electrical goods and Italian restaurants fared particularly poorly across Great Britain, amid the demise of Maplin and CVAs announced by Jamie’s Italian and Prezzo, along with Strada closures.