Scottish cities

4. Glasgow 14. Edinburgh 19. Aberdeen 45. Dundee

The report states: "The bigger and better locations have continued to power ahead, attracting retail investment, increased footfall and a greater share of retail expenditure.

"This trend towards a 'super-league' of high streets and the rest, which lack a satisfactory retail offer, combined with the continuing growth in out-of-town retailing, all serve to diminish the choice to the consumer."

It said that the top five destinations - London's Oxford Street, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Nottingham - illustrate this trend.

They have cemented their positions and have either recently benefited from or are planning major developments.

The report suggests that other locations can learn lessons from the more successful centres and thrive by providing the good car parking, access, cleanliness and signage fundamental to the success of these locations.

'Not enough shops'

Only 32% of consumers said they would rather shop in a traditional high street than at an out-of-town covered shopping centre or retail park compared with 46% last year.

Meanwhile only 26% of consumers believe the high street has enough shops compared with 34% a year ago.

The study also revealed that profit margins across retailing are being squeezed more than ever before with only the "largest players" able to progress.

The other Scottish cities in the top 100 were Edinburgh (14), Aberdeen (19), and Dundee (45).