The proportion of stores standing empty for more than two years has increased by around a fifth to one in 28, according to a study by Colliers.
Rents on top tier properties rose by 1.8% in the 12 months to April, the largest rise in nine years. However, the percentage of the top shopping areas registering a fall in rents increased to 12% from 5%.
Retailers are becoming more selective about shop openings, Colliers head of UK retail, Mark Phillipson, said. Instead of looking at around 100 plus shops, it’s probably 20-30 now.
