Wales loses 1,880 shops since 2001
WALES has lost nearly 2,000 shops and other retail units since the turn of the century – but has shown a slight recovery in recent years.
The nation has been caught up in a UK-wide high street decline amid the rise of internet shopping and a global economic crash triggered by the credit crunch.
New data from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) shows that Wales had 31,350 retail properties in 2000-01.
That had fallen to 29,470 in 2018/19 – a drop of 1,880, or 6%.
But there does appear to have been a pick-up in recent years despite the often gloomy retail picture that has seen many major brands close stores or in some cases disappear off the high street altogether – with names like Poundworld and BHS among those departing.
Retail chiefs in Wales are clear that more action is needed to support the high street and other shopping locations to ensure the sector has a bright future.
Edward Hiller, chief executive of Llandudno landowner Mostyn Estates, said: “The data doesn’t actually square up that well.
“The slight improvement in the past couple of years runs counter to their arguments regarding the internet.
“As ever, the situation would appear to be more complex.
“Since 2000, rents have risen, then fallen dramatically but rates have generally
increased
“A number of supermarkets have appeared and charities have moved into the high street
“Planners have become less resistant to converting redundant shops.
“Let’s hope the VOA are realistic in assessing Rateable Values and that the rates payable by retail businesses across Wales truly reflect where they should be.
“The current burden is both unfair and unsustainable.”
There have been contrasting fortunes on high streets. For example, in north Wales places like Rhyl and Bangor have struggled with a high percentage of empty units while popular tourism towns like Conwy and Llandudno have fared better.
Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said: “These figures underline the profound period of change and re-invention under way within the industry, as retailers adapt to shifting shopping habits, new technology, and rising costs.
“Despite all of this we are convinced retailers will continue to have a strong physical presence on thriving and attractive high streets.
“That said, government policy is ratcheting up the cost of employing people in stores and the cost of maintaining a store presence.”