LONDON (Reuters) - Nearly 3,000 stores closed in the United Kingdom in the first quarter of this year, a worrying sign of a decline in business in cities amid competition from online sales, a study said on Wednesday.
A total of 2,868 stores were closed during the period, or 16 stores per day, according to figures published by the consultancy "PWC" and the local trade studies firm Local Data Company, based on a study of 500 commercial districts in the country. Published by Agence France-Presse.
In contrast, only 1,634 stores opened, making the deficit 1234, the largest since the study was launched in 2010.
This decline, which would change British cities, is explained primarily by the changing habits of consumers who are increasingly turning to online purchases.
Shops have also been hit by a number of restructuring in recent months that has pushed retail chains to close points of sale for survival, particularly in the restaurant and fashion sectors.
| Restructuring in recent months has prompted commercial chains to close points of sale to survive in the restaurant and fashion sectors (Getty Images) |
Clothing stores, restaurants, real estate agencies and shops were most affected. These stores retreat in favor of fast food delivery, sports and wellness centers.
"The way consumers behave and how they spend their leisure time is changing, and in fact we may need less to market in the future," said PWC official Lisa Hooker.
Online competition, dominated by the US giant Amazon, is weakening stores that are facing increasing difficulty in often expensive rents, especially in London, as well as taxes and a high minimum wage.
The country has experienced a number of large bankruptcy declarations in the last two years, such as the debacle of Debenhams and House of Fraser.
The UK's traditional business sectors lost 150,000 jobs in 2018, according to the Press Association.