BCSC 2013: Deals to fashion retailers have fallen faster than any other sector in the last five years.
Fashion’s market share tumbled 3% in the twelve months to the end of June 2013, compared with the same period in 2008 – more than any other sector according to figures by EG Retail Research.
The sector did manage to hold on to the top spot, however, securing 15% of deals this year. Food & beverage made up the next largest chunk of activity, with 10% of all deals signed.
Banks, telecoms and homeware were among the biggest fallers with shoe shops, supermarkets and value shops on the rise.
Charity shops took up the slack, showing the greatest growth in 2013, at 4% of deals.
Along with betting shops, pawnbrokers and pay day loan deals these retailers doubled their presence on the high street with the overall share rising to nearly one in every ten deals. The much maligned sector was led by Ladbrokes, which ranked fourth in EG’s most acquisitive retailer up from 126th in 2008.
The figures are backed up by research from the Local Data Company which showed annual growth in charity shops, betting shops and pawnbrokers in the first half of 2013.
Matthew Hopkinson, director at the LDC, said: “These expanding businesses are doing well and are well positioned to pay top rents and exclude other uses that may be considered more pleasing.
“But in pure business terms they can’t be vilified as they pay rents and occupy space. “
For a full breakdown of numbers, click here
nadia.elghamry@estatesgazette.com
