Cybertill’s latest survey highlights only 53% of UK retailers would not consider leaving the high street for cheaper out of town premises.
Following on from a report published, by the Centre for Retail Research, that warned 20% of shops could close within five years Cybertill surveyed over 640 retailers across a range of sectors including sports, outdoor, footwear, gifts, charity, furniture and fashion. The survey highlighted that around one in five retailers would consider moving premises to out of town locations whereas around one in four were undecided. There were multiple reasons given for wanting to move to out of town locations including, these included: better access for deliveries, much lower rents, free parking for customers, a better suited environment for multi-channel retail, in terms of floor space for retail, warehouse space and picking and packing space. The main reason for not wanting to move to out of town locations was less passing trade.
When retailers were asked about their future plans just under 50% of all retailers stated they plan to invest in ecommerce over any other sales channel. Although just one in six respondents plans to invest in more stores. The apparent growing importance of ecommerce and online was also reflected in those retailers selling on third party ecommerce sites. 40% of those surveyed also sell on eBay, with more than one in five retailers stated they also sell online on Amazon.
“The high street is struggling with many retailers complaining about excessive rent and rates. This survey clearly shows how retailers are focusing more online than ever before,” commented Ian Tomlinson, Cybertill’s CEO. “Retailers will leave the high street in droves and relocate if it helps them deploy a more successful multi-channel approach to retail where they can trade online, in-store and over the phone.”
