Retail agency Harper Dennis Hobbs has said its clients want to open over 650 new stores across the UK and Europe next year, highlighting its confidence in the retail market.
The figure includes launches at destinations on the high street and in shopping centres, travel hubs, out of town shopping parks and factory outlets.
Resilience and confidence
HDH chief executive James Ebel said it showed retail occupiers had “resilience and confidence in the market”, since they are prepared to continue investing in bricks-and-mortar stores despite challenging trading conditions.
Ebel said: “Despite endless reports about the apparently dismal state of the high street, it is reassuring to see that following an audit of our clients’ requirements for retail space across the UK and Europe for 2019 that demand could be satisfied.
“However, this relies on landlords being prepared to be amenable to flexible terms and rents, amongst other external factors.”
Adding value
Ebel said the number of new stores opening could be higher if landlords played a more active role in “making their units more attractive to brands, rather than leaving them to mothball”.
He added: “I firmly believe experts in the property sector can lead the way and add value with fresh ideas to boost the appeal of having a high street presence.
“Even though our portfolio of clients is strong, the fact is that units will remain un-let if we can’t secure the right space with the right terms and rental deal.”
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