Finance Secretary John Swinney has given an assurance that he is doing all he can to support the retail sector after new figures showed a drop in sales at the end of last year.
The volume of retail sales, which counts the amount of goods sold in Scotland, fell by 0.5% between October and December, compared with the previous three months.
But year-on-year sales volume, which compares the final quarters of 2011 and 2012, rose by 0.7%.
The value of retail sales, which counts the amount of money made from goods sold, was the same as the previous quarter, and 1.1% higher than the previous year.
British sales also decreased by 0.4% over the quarter.
Mr Swinney said: "The retail sector can be assured that this Government is doing all we can to maintain Scotland's position as the most supportive business environment in the UK.
"The Small Business Bonus Scheme and other reliefs combined give Scottish business a real competitive edge. They are worth more than £500 million annually and benefit two out of every five commercial premises in Scotland.
"Added to this, our support for the social wage with a council tax freeze is helping to put money in people's pockets and is supporting hard pressed households."
