New shop openings fell sharply in the first six months of the year, amid concerns about the economy and the referendum on EU membership.
Figures from the Local Data Company show that while the number of shops being closed fell by 5% to 22,801, the number of shop openings dropped by 15% to 20,804.
Growth slackened significantly in the half year to the referendum, LDC director Matthew Hopkinson said. Increased costs, fierce competition and oversupply of shops are likely to mean higher levels of distress and failure among retailers, he said.
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