SHOP closures have fallen to the second lowest in a decade, a report has revealed.
Just over 12,800 stores still shut in 2024 - an average of 35 every day - but around 2000 fewer than were lost in 2023.
At the same time, around 9000 shops also opened, professional services giant PwC found.
Overall, there was a net 1.8 per cent decline in store numbers last year.
The biggest growth last year was in convenience stores, where 171 opened, fuelled by smaller supermarket outlets.
Meanwhile, just over 100 coffee shops opened, with a mixture of out-of-town and drive-thru outlets targeting shoppers on the move, and city centre stores serving commuters returning to offices.
On the other hand, last year saw nearly 400 bank branches shut, along with more than 600 chemists, and almost 200 fashion stores.
PwC's research showed a mixed picture, depending ...
Just over 12,800 stores still shut in 2024 - an average of 35 every day - but around 2000 fewer than were lost in 2023.
At the same time, around 9000 shops also opened, professional services giant PwC found.
Overall, there was a net 1.8 per cent decline in store numbers last year.
The biggest growth last year was in convenience stores, where 171 opened, fuelled by smaller supermarket outlets.
Meanwhile, just over 100 coffee shops opened, with a mixture of out-of-town and drive-thru outlets targeting shoppers on the move, and city centre stores serving commuters returning to offices.
On the other hand, last year saw nearly 400 bank branches shut, along with more than 600 chemists, and almost 200 fashion stores.
PwC's research showed a mixed picture, depending ...
You're reading a preview of
Daily Record (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 20, 2025