Shoppers were out in force for post-Christmas sales in Glasgow city centre.

A rain-soaked Buchanan Street was busy with bargain hunters, many laden with bags.

The retail industry is hopeful of a thriving 2023 after a difficult post pandemic period.

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David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), said there were grounds for “cautious optimism" for Scotland's retail sector, saying businesses were "striving to become more customer focused, productive and fit for the future”.

He said: "Following a year of profound ups and downs, Scottish retail is hoping for less of a white-knuckle ride over the coming 12 months.

"I'm confident the sector through its ingenuity and tenacity can thrive in the year ahead - to the benefit of customers, workforce, and communities - and play its role in driving forward Scotland's economy."

Mr Lonsdale said that income tax changes, with higher earners paying more and council tax rises would have an impact on disposable income and regulation threatened to hamper recovery.

He added: "A plethora of legislation and consultations have been unveiled, including fresh restrictions on the sale of alcohol and curbs on retail development in the planning system which are set to curtail new drive-throughs and out-of-town stores."

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He insisted politicians need to "wean themselves off the rush to regulate", saying that an increase in regulations would only serve to "challenge retailers' ability to keep costs down for households".

Meanwhile, Andrew McRae, policy chair for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland, warned the coming year will be tough.

He said: "Business owners will need to dig deep in what will undoubtedly be a tough 2023.

Mr McRae said: "This year (2022) has perhaps not been the year many of us were expecting. After two years of pandemic restrictions, lockdowns have given way to price hikes and a full-blown cost-of-doing-business crisis."

While he highlighted the "tenacity and determination" of businesses to "overcome the obstacles in their way and ultimately trade us out of recession", he added that support was needed.

He said: "As a first step, we need to pause all new and forthcoming regulations that would impact adversely on small firms - at least until we're out of recession."