Multiple retailers ‘shut two shops a day’

LARGE retailers in the North West closed on average nearly two shops a day in the first eight months of the year, according to new data.

Figures compiled on behalf of accountancy group PwC by the Local Data Company (LDC) show 456 shops shut. Some 288 opened leaving a net loss of 168.

Those hardest hit were selling computer games, toys, clothes, gifts, jewellery and furniture, while those bucking the trend included pawnbrokers, discount stores, convenience stores, coffee shops, bookmakers, and charity shops.

Neil McTiffin, retail partner at PwC in Manchester, said: “No retailer is too big or too small to fail and if the warning signs are there, it is crucial that they take the appropriate steps to address them, and quickly.

“If all retailers in distress have too many stores, then the appetite of the convenience food sector and value chain players to consume excess high street space, is a symptom of the continuing pressure on consumer spend.

“Apparent interest in the JJB stores from value chain players shows that some retail sectors are still in growth.”

Across the UK the total number of closures reached over 3,600 compared to almost 2,700 shops opening. The East Midlands was the hardest hit with a net loss of 94, while Yorkshire and the Humber had the smallest figure at 42.

Meanwhile, Stockport has called for bids to its Mary Portas fund.

The town won £100,000 from the Government High Street Innovation Fund, championed by retail consultant Mary Portas, and this figure has been matched by Stockport Borough Council.

It is being administered by the Town Team, a group of 250 retailers, businesses, voluntary groups, market traders and residents who say their goal is to make Stockport more vibrant and reduce the number of empty shops.

Chair of the Town Team and president of the National Market Traders Federation Stockport branch, John O’ Mara, said: “Some of the ideas put forward so far include a new arts centre, improved signage for the market, more planting and numerous good ideas for a wide range of events.

“Now we have the money to put behind the ideas, I’m looking forward to receiving suggestions and bids and getting cracking on making our town centre the best it can be.”

Application packs are available to download from www.stockport.gov.uk/portaspilot. For more information or to join the Town Team, email towndistrictcentres@stockport.gov.uk.