The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has expressed deep concern over the recent announcements of significant store closures by major retailers Boots and Dobbies, highlighting the urgent need for government support for high streets and independent retailers.
Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, points to these closures as evidence of the challenging retail environment.
Boots, a stalwart of British high streets since 1849, has revealed plans to close almost 300 UK stores, with more shuttering in the coming weeks. This is part of a larger plan by parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance to close 650 outlets, aiming to save £618 million.
Meanwhile, Dobbies Garden Centres has announced a restructuring plan that will see the closure of 17 unprofitable stores, impacting 465 of its 3,600 employees. The company cites "historically uneconomical rent costs" as a key factor in this decision.
These announcements come in the wake of a recent PwC high street report, which revealed that net closures for 2024 stand at 12 per day, resulting in 2,284 fewer outlets on high streets, shopping centres, and out-of-town locations in the first six months of the year.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said, "Further store closures have been confirmed by Boots and Dobbies. A recent high street report from PwC showed that there are 12 businesses closing on the UK's high streets daily. All these announcements show the stark reality of how difficult it is for retailers at the moment.
"There is also a strong message for the Chancellor as she prepares for the Autumn Statement on October 30 - high streets and independent retailers need support now."
Goodacre added, "Consumer confidence and footfall are still low, and the impact on the retail sector, especially for smaller independents, is severe. Recent figures show deflation in the non-food sectors, a sure sign of large chains discounting more and for longer.
"All this means that the current retail, hospitality and leisure rates relief must be retained at 75 per cent. Any increases in the cost of running these businesses will restrict growth, result in more closures and a loss of jobs."
Bira urges the government to consider these closures and the broader retail landscape as it prepares for the upcoming Autumn Statement, emphasisng the critical need for continued support for high streets and independent retailers across the UK.
Brian McLister