That the Parliament welcomes a report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, which shows that 3.7% more retail shops opened in Edinburgh during the first six months of 2016 than during the same period in 2015; notes that this is the highest rate in Scotland and higher than the national average of 3.6%; recognises that this increase coincides with the £1 billion redevelopment of the St James quarter, which it considers will not only attract new businesses to that particular area of the city, but will also make the city a more attractive place in general for retailers; further recognises encouraging retail figures as retailers compete with increasing numbers of online shoppers; notes what it sees as the positive effects on jobs that arise as a result of these stores opening, and hopes that this trend continues for all parts of Edinburgh going forward and also for towns and cities across Scotland.