Sounds like a mentality of diminishing returns.

Staff not given kilts because it's not seen as economic.

So no sales are generated by customers seeing staff in kilts.

So as sales decrease then less staff are needed.

But it can all be blamed on the tat shop round the corner.

But the shop owners can feel all morally superior for upholding the finest traditions etc. etc.

Meanwhile the discharged staff end up wearing kilts at the tat shops...