Perthshire people have been urged to ”shop local” in a bid to save struggling independent outlets.
Retailers relying on the ”golden quarter” leading up to New Year are desperate to boost footfall, as they fight against deep discounting by high street stores and the internet.
There are fears some shops may not last if trade is not high enough this winter, leading to even more empty shops in the city centre.
There has been criticism that not enough is being done to support independent retailers, once the envy of Scotland’s shopping centres.
Traders were particularly angry about the recent Christmas Lights Festival, which saw George Street closed to traffic.
South Methven Street businesses have also been left disappointed when their traditional street lights damaged in storms last year were not replaced.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has urged his constituents to avoid online retailers this year.
He said: ”Local authorities across Scotland need to make rural shopping more attractive.
”Rural high streets offer unique, niche shopping experiences.
”In recent weeks, revelations have surfaced that highlight the lack of corporation tax paid by big online retailers.
”By shopping local, you will also be supporting tax-paying businesses.
”In Scotland, thousands of jobs are supported by retail. Unfortunately, the increasing market share of online shopping threatens these jobs.
”Undoubtedly, online shopping has a role to play within consumer spending. However, real bargains can also be discovered by exploring your local shops.”
Sarah Wilson, from Whispers of the Past on George Street, said shops have to fend for themselves because they receive little support from the local council.
She said: ”They go on about the empty shops being below the national average but it’s only 1.8% below it and Perth’s not a big city.
”They’re quite happy to bump up rates and see businesses leave but they won’t do anything about trying to keep them here.
”It’s not good for local independent businesses and this is probably the worst year we have had to put up with.
”Every time we ask for a meeting we’re stonewalled. All we want to do is say our piece and get our point across.
”They are going to have to listen to us. Everybody says George Street is the best shopping street, yet they don’t even have a sign directing people to it, like they have for the retail park.
”The council is living on Perth’s reputation from 20 years ago, when it was an asset to Scotland and it was thriving and attracting a lot of visitors.
”But they’re losing independent traders and we’re left with Marks and Spencer and Debenhams and a whole lot of empty shops.”
Mr Fraser believes that the free parking introduced in certain car parks after 2pm on Thursdays and Fridays will help, but Sarah said it will do little.
She explained: ”We constantly see people pull into the spaces in George Street and see it’s £2 an hour and say that’s just a joke.
”Why not make it a whole day, Thursday or Friday? But the council doesn’t want to lose the revenue.
”The free parking won’t work because of the hours they’re offering.
”Parents are getting their kids from school and older folk have already come and gone.
”We’ve had blips before but this is the worst. It’s heartbreaking to see how Perth has gone downhill.”