Welsh retail body asks for industry boost from government

The request comes ahead of the Welsh budget, which is expected from the Welsh finance minister Rebecca Evans later this year.

The WRC has also called on the government to commit to a comprehensive retail strategy to stimulate the sector in Wales.

Sara Jones, head of the WRC, said: “Much of the retail industry is in a fragile condition, but the forthcoming Welsh budget could provide critical support which could help drive a sustainable economic recovery.

“Whilst we desperately hope we are now past the worst of the virus, the retail industry has been battered and bruised by the consequences.

“Shops have missed out massively in retail sales during the pandemic whilst spending tens of millions to keep colleagues and customers safe.

“To enable a retail recovery, and to ignite the economic and social benefits that will then follow, the finance minister should look to initiatives to pep up consumer spending and entice people back to our town and city centres, protect less affluent consumers from tax rate increases, and provide a discount to business rates for retailers, avoiding the cliff edge position that are precariously facing. “