Coronavirus drives shop closures to record high

A total of 11,120 shops operated by chains shut between January and June, according to research by the Local Data Company and accountancy firm PwC.

Although more than 5,000 shops opened during the same period, it was not enough to fill the gaps, resulting in a net decline of 6,001 stores – up 71% on the same period last year, when a net 3,509 store closures were recorded.

The figures suggest that an average of more than 60 stores closed per day across England, Scotland and Wales.

The data includes shops, hospitality chains, and services such as post offices and banks, but does not include small independent businesses.

Lucy Stainton, head of retail and strategic partnerships at the Local Data Company, said: "For local authorities, it's now critical how they respond to this significant and growing decline in store occupants.”

Lisa Hooker, consumer markets leader at PwC, added: "With the continued roll out of value retailers, the boom in takeaways and pizza delivery shops and demand for services that can still only be delivered locally, such as tradesmen outlets, building products or locksmiths, shows that despite the stark numbers there remains a future for physical stores.

"It's likely that whatever happens retail will come out of this smaller and stronger."