One in four shops in Bristol stands empty, claims research
ALMOST a quarter of shops in Bristol city centre are currently standing empty, researchers have found.
Retail analyst the Local Data Company claims the city is struggling and that the proportion of empty stores on its streets and precincts is one of the highest in the South West, at just over 22 per cent, compared with a national average of 14.3 per cent.
A survey carried out by the Evening Post in November found more than 50 shops in the city centre were standing empty. But that number has increased and could rise further following the recent collapse of a number of high street chains.
High-profile casualties in recent weeks have included lingerie chain La Senza, which closed its Cabot Circus store, and clothing retailer Peacocks, which is currently in administration, although its shops remain open.
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The report says the number of empty shops in the city centre has increased by 0.7 per cent on the previous six months.
In Bedminster, just under one in five shops were empty.
The report said: "The future looks bleak as consumer spend moves increasingly away from the High Street. Weak consumer confidence, rising unemployment, the growth in retail sales by supermarkets and the internet, a significant number of retail leases coming to an end and the uncertainty in the banking sector, all leads to the view that shop vacancy rates are set to rise in 2012."
Matthew Hopkinson of the Local Data Company said: "Technology is driving consumer behaviour to a world of engagement, entertainment and the ability to shop where, how and when we like.
"Town centres need to adapt to this changing environment if they are to survive and thrive."
The figures come after a report by TV retail expert Mary Portas made a string of recommendations about how to protect high streets.
Ministers have asked towns to come forward and bid to become one of 12 "Portas pilots", which will give them a share of £1 million to work with the Queen of Shops and turn around their high streets.
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Comments
by mcupis
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 6:42PM
“Bristol City Council will be rejoicing at this news. All those nasty capitalist businesses wiped out. No more horrid car drivers travelling to them. All the poor oppressed workers freed from slavery, who can now be properly looked after by the state. There will be no opposition from fascist business owners now and will be able to pedestrianise the streets outside the boarded up shopfront, so that the cyclists can peddle merrily past and their rosy-cheeked babies can frolic in the gutters. Perhaps some of the shops can be handed over to "the community", so that they can run some really useful cultural events in them? Truly a progressive landmark in the annals of this glorious city.”
by Richard34
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 6:15PM
“Yes but how many of these shops are in the main shopping hubs? How many of these shops were also closed during the boom in 2006/7..
Selective journalism, baring in mind that there's more shops in the city centre now than ever before so companies have far more choice where to open and the city is surrounded by successful out of town shopping areas.
Based on the current economic situation this is a very healthy result.
Shops aren't going to open where there's no passing trade and 40 of these shops may as well be on the moon. Until the owners admit that they aren't worth as much, they may as well stay empty. It's all about demand and supply... there's no demand for shops in these places so lower the rents to a realistic level and watch demand suddenly come to light... especially with an Evening Post boost i.e. free rent for 6 months to any takers and 33% drop in asking rents after this for 7 years. Suddenly just 10 empty shops remaining.”
by Bristolexpat
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 4:38PM
“"Ministers have asked towns to come forward and bid to become one of 12 "Portas pilots", which will give them a share of £1 million to work with the Queen of Shops and turn around their high streets."
A share of One Million between 12?
Watch out, here comes the stampede.......”
by bobob3
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 3:28PM
“Its not surprising considering the number of shops was increased dramatically with the Cabot.”
by PJB_1972
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 2:57PM
“Habbits are changing. People prefer to shop online. I rarely visit the shops in town these days as shopping online is much more comfortable and convenient.”
by Baldeeheed
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 1:42PM
“Perhaps there was too many shops in the first place?”
by nickthompson
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 12:46PM
“Perhaps BCC could consider turning some of these empty shops into thriving businesses by encouraging people to open them to supply Hose feed,and other's selling Gas lamps,and spare parts for handsome cabs.”
by FOX_Joe
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 12:11PM
“Well done to Stephen Williams MP and his councillors for destroying, actively, this city.
People of Bristol, please, please, please stop voting LibDem.
They know NOTHING abot supporting businesses and indeed are surely the most anti-business party in our country.”
by rocketbob
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 11:56AM
“why aren`t some of them being converted to flats? Why can`t the council help by altering the rates? How many houses are about to be built whilst are shopping areas and suburb centres are empty.”
by SpinyHedgehog
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 11:49AM
“1 in 4 shops empty? For Hedgehog's sake, nobody tell Tesco!”