Data: Shop vacancies ‘at highest rate ever recorded’ as uncertainty lingers

Empty shop

The overall store vacancy rate across the UK increased in the second quarter of 2021 despite the lifting of coronavirus restrictions as retailers continued to struggle with the ongoing uncertainty. 

The rate of store vacancies rose to 14.5%, a slight increase from the 14.1% reported in Q1 and 2.1% higher than the same period in 2020.

Q2’s increase now marks more than three years of increasing store vacancy rates, a trend that began in Q1 2018, according to the BRC-LDC Vacancy Monitor. 

Subscription content

Please sign in now if you have a subscription or are already registered with us.

Retail Week

Register for free to continue reading

Retail-Week.com provides premium, in-depth intelligence that helps retailers judge risks, spot opportunities and identify what they need to do to win in the digital economy.

Register today for a taste of our high-quality intelligence and enjoy:

  • Two free article views per calendar month on Retail-Week.com
  • Detailed analysis of current trends and events 
  • Exclusive newsletters
  • In-depth reports, videos, interviews and much more

Discover Retail Week register now

Please note, if you have recently purchased a subscription, it may take a few moments before your account is updated.