Christmas brings a mixed-bag for retailers

Christmas trading figures by the UK’s leading retailers and analysts shows a mixed-bag of results for operators on both the high street and retail parks. Multi-channel sales continue to see strong growth and record sales, whilst a combination of declining footfall and inflationary pressure on shoppers has hit the high street, with high profile profit warnings issued.    

Rapid changes in shopping patterns, pressures on the shopper, all demonstrate the dynamic and competitive nature of the sector and highlight some of the issues facing retail destinations.  Confidence in high performing centres will remain strong, whilst growth in secondary centres may be hampered as investors become more cautious. The NPPF encourages planning to be responsive to change, which allows for a proactive approach to create a genuine multi-channel retail experience with attractive bricks and mortar trading alongside online consumer choice.  Whether that is strengthening and enhancing an existing offer, or allowing greater flexibility for new opportunities to flourish, planning can plan a key role helping retail centres to develop in conjunction with, rather than competing against, new technologies.   

To find out more about our retail and leisure services, please read our brochure or contact one of our team.