Despite the easing of restrictions, the number of vacant retail shops increased during the period April to June 2021.

According to figures from The Local Data Company, vacancy rates increased from 14.1% for the period January to March 2021 to 14.5% for the period April to June 2021.

Shopping centres, high street shops and retail parks all suffered.  The north east has the highest vacancy rates followed by Wales and the north west.

Most believe that more independent high street retailers will be forced to close and the number of vacant high street shops will continue to increase brought about by poor demand, poor footfall, inflation, the threat of rising interest rates, online shopping, Covid and the threat of further lock-downs and the end of government support packages.