Edinburgh's retail sector

Edinburgh is Scotland's second retail location by number of outlets (2,565) and consumer expenditure (£920m).

In 2008, the Inspiring Capital was ranked the UK's 19th largest retail destination in terms of market potential and the second largest in Scotland by the CACI Retail Footprint, which tracks consumer shopping behaviour.

The city region has a distinctive retail offer characterised by a diverse mix of UK multiples, strong medium-sized firms, niche independents and a growing farmers' market sector. Substantial investment is underway to expand and redevelop a number of flagship retail sites across Edinburgh City Region, including Princes Street and the St James Centre.

Retailing employs 56,000 people across the city region and generates around £760m for the local economy.

Stirling, Falkirk and Fort Kinnaird Retail Park to the south east of Edinburgh also make Scotland's top ten retail locations with expenditure of between £180m and £190m a year.

Retailers in the capital include Marks & Spencer, Carphone Warehouse, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Next, USC, Schuh, H&M and Scotland's only Harvey Nichols.