Double Shops Empty By The End Of The Year

By the end of 2009 it is expected that 15% of high street shops will be empty – more than double the 7% of stores that were vacant at the beginning of the year.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) also added that some areas have already seen up to 40% of shop space empty due to the recent lack in consumer confidence.

The likes of Woolworths has long since disappeared from the High Street already, but overall the UK retail sales have not completely collapsed as some people had originally feared.

Harwich, Essex, Gateshead and Walkden in Greater Manchester are four areas that are among the worst hit.

Around 12% of town centre shops have already been badly hit and stand empty because of this said the BRC.

Visible Signs Of Downturn

They said: “It is clear that in many places, recession is accelerating a trend of decline that was already underway.

“The dangers associated with this deteriorating picture are clear.

“Vacant units are perhaps one of the most visible impacts of the economic downturn. Shoppers who are unable to ignore the increasingly visible vacant units in their local communities are likely to further reinforce falling consumer confidence.”

The report also added that sadly some High Streets had lost their customers to nearby towns and shopping centres. This could mean that they never go back to being important shopping destinations.

High Streets Need Nurturing

However, the report also stressed that the High Street had still got a bright future ahead of it, but that it would need “nurturing through this difficult period.”

The report also suggests that town centres that are failing should focus on their local characters and create an attractive and safe environment for people to shop in. It believes that developing unique identities would help pull their High Street through the recession.

On top of making towns more distinctive and welcoming, the BRC suggests that better transport links are put in place in a 20-point plan in order to help struggling areas.

It says car parks should be improved as well as facilities that encourage ‘greater footfall’ in town centres.

What Do You Think?

How can High Streets increase their custom once again? Are the signs of lack of custom noticeable, and does that lead to fewer people shopping there? We would love to know your thoughts and opinions. Leave your comments here.