Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent has been identified as the UK town worst affected by high street shop closures this year, according to a study by TradingPedia. The affluent town, which has been represented by Conservative MPs since its constituency was created 49 years ago, experienced an average of 9.76 closures per 100,000 residents.
The Devon seaside resort of Torquay followed closely with 9.61 closures per 100,000 residents, while Ellesmere Port in Cheshire (7.64), Bognor Regis in West Sussex (7.31), and Norwich in Norfolk (6.94) completed the top five. The findings highlight the ongoing decline of traditional retail centres across Britain, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, the shift to online shopping, and rising business costs.
TradingPedia analyst Michael Fisher noted that major high street brands have been closing stores across the UK in recent years, with 2022 proving particularly difficult for many chains, pubs, restaurants, and banks. He warned that 2023 could be even more challenging for businesses struggling to recover from the pandemic, as they face higher utility bills, rents, and salaries.
The study also pointed to a surge in shoplifting, with offences up 25% in a year, as well as high business rates and parking charges deterring shoppers. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to work with businesses and communities to revitalise high streets, blaming 13 years of Conservative economic mismanagement for the decline.
