A report out today predicts a gloomy near future for the UK high street, with the number of empty stores looking set to rise; despite a stable 2011.
The report, performed by The Local Data Company, states that the increase in empty commercial property is linked to weak levels of consumer confidence, a rise in levels of unemployment and strong growth online.
The vacancy rates for high street stores appeared to remain stable throughout 2011 though, at 14.3%; but this figure masked big regional differences. Director of the Local Data Company, Matthew Hopkinson, commented on the stable 2011 rates, saying: "The stable top line rate of 2011 hides the significant breadth in town centre vacancy rates up and down the country and the structural issues that are at stake."
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