More shops have closed this year in Dundee than in any other major city in Scotland, according to new research.
The latest figures show that the City of Discovery has lost more than one retailer a month since January.
The startling statistics, commissioned by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), show that Dundee suffered a net reduction of seven shops in the first half of 2014, compared to an increase of three in Perth and Aberdeen.
SNP member Jimmy Black called on Dundonians to embrace their “entrepreneurial spirit” to help lower the number of empty shops.
“Shops in general come and go. We’ve had some pretty tough times recently and it is not surprising that some shops have either failed or decided to give up,” Mr Black said.
“However, these things are cyclical. The council are working hard to try and get empty shops let and to encourage people to set up businesses.
“I’m really encouraged by the new businesses and the new independent businesses that I see springing up in the centre of town.
“For me, the best way for Dundee to become prosperous is for the people of the city to show a real entrepreneurial spirit and to set up businesses that are rooted in the community.
“The future of this city lies in the hands of the people of this city in their ingenuity and their enterprising spirit.
“The council are certainly encouraging that and can give help, through things like the Business Gateway, to new entrepreneurs.”
He added: “Let’s look at empty shops as an opportunity.”
Mr Black said that the waterfront redevelopment would also help attract new businesses to the city, as well as help grow the market for local retailers.
The new PWC study shows that, across Scotland, coffee shops, banks, estate agents, sports shops and convenience stores were among those opening the most branches during the first half of 2014.
The hardest hit were clothing retailers, mobile phone shops, pawnbrokers, jewellers and building societies.