People say they love bricks-and-mortar shopping - but stores are closing at an alarming rate all across the country as the decline of the traditional High Street and town centre shopping districts continues. Some Grimsby Live readers in our comments sections think that it's inevitable, but others say that there's still a chance that a quality shopping experience could stick around for years to come if the right strategy is found. Figures from the Centre for Retail Research paint a dour picture for physical retail in the UK.
Over 13,000 store locations shut in 2024, with independent brands - typically the sort with 1 to 5 locations - bearing the brunt of the difficulties. Larger brands fared better, but when a big retailer goes down or decides to cut costs, it can spell trouble on the local level with big job losses. Many factors have been blamed for the decline of the traditional High Street, with customer habits shifting from visiting bricks-and-mortar retailers to shopping with the online giants being regularly cited.
Costs are also ballooning, with unit rent, business rates, energy costs and inflation all cutting into the bottom line. On our Facebook page , readers still love a good day out at the shops - when they can get it. Commenter Cindy Cordell writes: “If I can't feel the material and try it on, I don't buy.
I've tried online shopping but it has to be sent back. Bring backs shops, anks on the High Street, service in supermarkets..
. the personal touch is so importa.
