Independent retailers in the UK in decline for the first time since 2012

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Oct 20, 2015

The number of independent retailers closing their shops in the UK outstripped new openings in the first half-year of 2015, found a collaborative report by The Local Data Company and British Independent Retailers Association.

In the first six months of the year, 144 independent shops closed in the UK, showing a decline for the first time since 2012 of 0.14%.

Independent women’s boutiques are among the retail categories which suffered the lowest levels, along with newsagents, public houses and jewellers, informed CityAM.

Barbers, cafes, tobacconists and mobile phone shops saw the biggest growth, while service-led retailers such as beauty and health companies increased by the biggest number of stores (241).

In the first half of 2014, 289 new independent shops opened in the high street, revealing a 0.28% growth.

The decline of independent retailers, which account for 65% of the outlets nationally, contrasts with Britain’s shop vacancy levels, which fell in September by 12.9%. According to a report by The Local Data Company released last week, the shop vacancy rate achieved in September its lowest level since April 2010.