Give councils power to take over vacant shops – Labor
// Councils should be given the power to repurpose commercial properties that have been vacant for at least 12 months, Labor proposes // Labor also calls for the reversal of rules that could allow...
View ArticleCovid-19 pandemic drives record number of stores shutting down in 2020
// Research from PwC & Local Data Company shows 17,532 chain stores closed down last year, while only 7655 opened // This leaves a net deficit of 9877 permanent store closures – the highest on...
View ArticleHigh streets & coastal towns to get £56m boost ahead of summer
// Govt’s new “Welcome Back” fund will allow councils in England to boost the “look and feel” of local high street areas // Part of the funding pot will be specifically allocated for coastal areas...
View ArticleLabour pledges to scrap new planning laws to help Covid-stricken high streets
// Labour promises to act to prevent the sell-off of retail space for low cost housing // If in power, the party will empower councils to fill empty shops & establish a high streets “fightback...
View ArticleFresh £40m investment plans for West End unveiled
// New West End Company says West End businesses will invest £40m into services to enhance the district post-Covid // It comes on top of other initiatives such as the £150m from Westminster City...
View ArticleAnother 18,000 shops may permanently close their doors this year
// Another 18,000 shops could permanently close down this year, according to Local Data Company // LDC says the worst is yet to come and UK retail still needs to grapple with the collapse of Debenhams...
View ArticleCalls for “Shop Out to Help Out” scheme to boost post-lockdown sales
// Save The Street group calls for Eat Out to Help Out-like scheme but for independent retailers // They want Treasury to offer customers 50% off the cost of goods at independent retailers up to a...
View ArticleNew rules allowing shops to be converted into homes to revitalise high streets
// Rules allowing commercial premises in England to be converted into homes come into force // The aim of the new planning laws is to revitalise high streets & town centres ravaged by the Covid-19...
View ArticleIceland boss Richard Walker backs calls for digital sales tax
// Iceland MD Richard Walker backs calls for digital sales tax to aid high street revival // Walker also says the government needs to “completely change business rates as they are” // Comes after...
View ArticleHigh street “will be a different place”– Samsung UK boss
// “I think it (the high street) is definitely going to be a different place,” Samsung UK boss Conor Pierce says // Before the pandemic, retail accounted for around 50% of smartphone sales in the UK...
View Article
