Financial News 4 July

Stephen Robertson, director general of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), has warned that many high streets are in trouble with ‘worryingly high numbers’ of shops standing empty.

On Independents’ Day [4 July], when customers are being encouraged to buy from independent traders, he said: ‘The big issues determining the fate of retailers of all types are about rising costs at a time of weak consumer demand, but it’s good to spend a day celebrating independent retail. The best shopping locations offer a mix of recognisable big names combined with original and independent stores which give towns their individuality.’

To see the full BRC statement on Independents’ Day, click here.

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