Mind the gap - how to fill the UK’s empty shops
Thu 11 Feb 2010
Written by Ryan Hodge
To ensure the UK’s high streets become bustling retail hubs again, it is necessary for them to be planned, managed and nurtured in the correct manner.
At least that is the view of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which was responding to the latest Local Data Company figures that show many towns still have a dearth of shops and a plethora of empty spaces due to economic meltdown.
BRC Director General Stephen Robertson remarked: “High streets are the heart of local communities and economies - providing jobs and essential services. Their future success cannot be left to chance.
“Town centres need to be actively managed by local authorities with their retailers, other businesses and residents.”
He also said big business rate bills and rents, parking and access difficulties, and overall failure to invest in certain areas have resulted in retailers struggling to stay afloat and maintain a presence on the high street.
These are some of factors behind the BRC's decision to create its 21st Century High Streets report, which informs decision makers how to secure long-term town centre retailing.
However, it has not all been doom and gloom over the last couple of years - there have been some firms which have thrived in the current economic climate.
Retailers such as Poundland and 99p Stores have gone from strength to strength as consumers have tightened the purse strings and looked to the bargain end of the market. In many cases, 99p Stores have filled gaps left by companies going bust.
Commercial Director of the retailer Hussein Lalani recently told retailmoves.com the business wants to reach 200 stores in the UK by the end of 2010. This ambitious target was made after the firm grew its number of shops by 61 to 126 during the course of 2009.
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