Scottish Textiles companies are expanding their retail presence as part of their strategy to increase their global competitiveness, a new survey revealed(Monday 1 October).
The latest Scottish Textiles Industry Survey, commissioned by the Scottish Textiles team at Scottish Enterprise, has highlighted that almost half of all companies in Scotland have their own retail operations – compared with just 25% in 2005.
Manufacturing continues to be the biggest element of textiles activity in Scotland with 8 out of 10 companies involved in production but the survey also demonstrates companies are moving into higher value activities, with two thirds of companies also involved in design activity.
Kirsty Scott, Head of the Scottish Textiles team at Scottish Enterprise, says: “As competition continues to intensify within the global textiles sector, Scottish textiles companies have recognised the need to build their own brand presence and sell directly to consumers.
“Rather than completely moving away from manufacturing, we are beginning to see more and more companies getting involved in a whole range of activity and operating across the entire industry value chain from manufacturing to design, wholesale and retail.
This will give them the competitive advantage required to continue to adapt their business to meet global demands.”
Companies such as Lochcarron of Scotland, Johnstons Cashmere and Mackintosh have all announced new plans to expand into retail.
Lochcarron opened its first branded retail outlet next to its manufacturing facility in Selkirk which is soon to be followed by a new store in Mayfair in London, while Johnstons of Elgin is investing £1.5 million in a new Retail and Heritage Centre.
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