The number of UK shops operated by multiple retailers grew in the third quarter after dipping in the first half.

Store numbers were up 0.63% to 101,570 quarter on quarter in the three months to September 30, according to property agent CBRE’s Chain Expansion report.

The increase comes after a fall of 0.42% in the first half, during which time large retailers including Game, Peacocks and Clinton Cards hit the wall and closed down shops.

Year-on-year store numbers in the third quarter were up 0.2%.

The report predicted that the number of stores will continue to increase in the fourth quarter.

The report also forecasted that while shop numbers operated by multiples would fall “marginally” in 2013, net floor space growth will continue.

It added that retailers would be fighting it out to secure the best locations. Large store retailers are “chasing the same dwindling supply of large unit space, for the most part on retail parks,” the report said.

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