The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) has released its manifesto ahead of the Scottish General Election in May 2026, outlining key priorities for the next Scottish Government and urging newly elected MSPs to support their local shops.
The trade body represents more than 5,220 convenience stores, a sector that employs over 55,000 jobs in Scotland and contributes £47.1bn worth of sales and £9.4bn in taxes across the UK.
Local retailers currently face a variety of challenges that are severely impacting the sector and putting essential local services at risk, said the SGF.
Alarmingly, 83.5% of members have reported an increase in violence toward shop workers and the average cost of retail crime skyrocketed to £19,673 per store last year - up 38% from the previous year.
These shocking statistics have pushed the need for more resources to tackle retail crime to the top of the SGF’s election agenda.
The trade body, meanwhile, said the current cost of business is “undermining” growth potential for many retailers.
The manifesto sets out concerns over the impact of tighter product restrictions, rising employment costs and decreased support for business rates.
“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,” said Graham Watson (pictured right), president of the SGF and independent retailer for Watson’s Grocers.
“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.”
The SGF will host a Scottish General Election Hustings for retailers and Scottish convenience representatives in Spring 2026.
All of the major political parties in Scotland have been issued advanced copies of the SGF Manifesto and will be invited to attend the hustings to set out their plans for the next Scottish Parliament.
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