Insights Hub

Today we have released our latest report which quantifies all the market change across the physical retail and leisure landscape over 2018. From the raft of CVAs, administrations and other closure programs launched by retailers to the explosive growth of service categories such as barbers and nail salons - 2018 was a year marked by change.

Some highlights from the report:

• Reconversions of vacant units was up 32% on 2017, revealing an uplift in landlords redeveloping units to increase returns on investments and to make space meet the needs of consumers better.
• The overall number of occupied retail and leisure units decreased by -7,550 in the year, due to a significant decrease in new openings.
• Barbers continued to grow at pace, with an additional +813 units being added into the market in 2018.
• Aldi was the fastest growing retailer in 2018. Greggs, Card Factory, Cake Box and The Pet Hut followed to make up the top five fastest growing brands.
• The high street vacancy rate rose by +0.3% from 11.2% to 11.5% in 2018, mitigated by the trend for taking vacant retail stock out of the market.
• Comparing 2015 to March 2019, the portfolio of stores that Mike Ashley is invested in increased by 77%.

Also includes analysis on:

• Openings and closures trends
• Multiple and independent businesses
• Vacancy rates
• Shopping centre polarisation
• The impact of retail park CVAs
• The increasing trend for retail stock being redeveloped, demolished or converted for another use such as residential or logistics.
• A review of Mike Ashley's growing empire.

The report is free to download is and is available via this link or the image below.