28 former Woolworths stores in North West remain empty

MORE than half of the former Woolworths stores in the North West are now occupied 18 months after the high street retailer went into administration.

New research has discovered that 28 stores still remain empty in this region – which represents 41 % of the total.

North Wales frozen food retailer Iceland has been the major beneficiary from Woolies’ demise along with Pound shops.

the research from the Local Data Company has also discovered that nationally more than 300 former Woolies stores – out of a total of 807 – remain unoccupied.

Karen Bluff head of retail sector group at PwC in the North West said: “After Woolworth’s demise many retail commentators speculated that variety retail was dead – but in fact it is alive and kicking on high streets across the UK.

“As consumers emerge from the recession, they are maintaining their appetite for fixed-price and multi-price value retail, and often in more upmarket areas where you wouldn’t have thought there would typically be demand, such as Altrincham, Cheadle and Wilmslow.

“This is a structural, permanent change, which is altering the face of the UK High Street and the shopping repertoire of British consumers.

“The Local Data Company’s research shows that the UK high street is experiencing a gradual recovery, with vacant ex-Woolworths stores being filled gradually.

“This will continue as landlords realise what their property is actually worth in today’s market and following the abolition of empty property business rates relief.

“These factors mean we will continue to see more stores let to new tenants.”

The North West went from 38% occupancy in July 2009 to 59% occupancy in July 2010, an increase of 21%.

Woolworths was placed in administration in January last year resulting in 27,000 job losses.