Menu
21/03/2012
Will The Internet Kill The Highstreet Store?
A new report has claimed one in four highstreet shops will be closed within five years as consumers chose online shopping instead.
High streets will be populated with coffee shops and internet kiosks, claim experts, as the boundaries between physical and virtual space become blurred.
The report, by Deloitte, says retailers will need to reduce the amount of property they have by 30/40% in order to stay competitive.
"The majority of UK retailers have simply got too many stores," said Silvia Rindone, a Director in the retail consulting practice at Deloitte and author of the Store of the Future report.
Total floor space has dropped in recent years, she noted, and this will continue as consumers shop more on the internet, with online sales forecast to reach £43bn by 2015, accounting for 14% of all retail sales. Some 22% of people did not buy their last item of clothing or accessories in store, and only 9% of customers want to see the full product range in shops.
(LB/GK)
High streets will be populated with coffee shops and internet kiosks, claim experts, as the boundaries between physical and virtual space become blurred.
The report, by Deloitte, says retailers will need to reduce the amount of property they have by 30/40% in order to stay competitive.
"The majority of UK retailers have simply got too many stores," said Silvia Rindone, a Director in the retail consulting practice at Deloitte and author of the Store of the Future report.
Total floor space has dropped in recent years, she noted, and this will continue as consumers shop more on the internet, with online sales forecast to reach £43bn by 2015, accounting for 14% of all retail sales. Some 22% of people did not buy their last item of clothing or accessories in store, and only 9% of customers want to see the full product range in shops.
(LB/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 July 2014
NIIRTA Welcomes New Small Shops Group Chair
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association (NIIRTA) has welcomed Simon Danczuk, Rochdale MP as new chairperson of the House of Commons All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group, following Priti Patel MPs promotion to Exchequer Secretary.
NIIRTA Welcomes New Small Shops Group Chair
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association (NIIRTA) has welcomed Simon Danczuk, Rochdale MP as new chairperson of the House of Commons All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group, following Priti Patel MPs promotion to Exchequer Secretary.
13 April 2012
Belfast's InShops To Close
InShops in Belfast's city centre are set to close it has been revealed this afternoon. The 25 shops which employ around 60 people have until June 26 to evacuate the premises. According to the centre's manager the news was broke on Thursday last and came as a shock.
Belfast's InShops To Close
InShops in Belfast's city centre are set to close it has been revealed this afternoon. The 25 shops which employ around 60 people have until June 26 to evacuate the premises. According to the centre's manager the news was broke on Thursday last and came as a shock.
07 July 2006
FSB welcome unchanged Sunday trading laws
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the announcement that Sunday trading laws will remain unchanged. The FSB had argued that any relaxation of the laws would be highly damaging for the future of small, independent retailers, who are already under the greatest financial and operational strain in the retail industry.
FSB welcome unchanged Sunday trading laws
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the announcement that Sunday trading laws will remain unchanged. The FSB had argued that any relaxation of the laws would be highly damaging for the future of small, independent retailers, who are already under the greatest financial and operational strain in the retail industry.
20 September 2022
Lidl NI Open New Look Expanded East Belfast Store
Lidl Northern Ireland has opened a new look store on the Castlereagh Road in east Belfast following the completion of a major six-month relocation project.
Lidl NI Open New Look Expanded East Belfast Store
Lidl Northern Ireland has opened a new look store on the Castlereagh Road in east Belfast following the completion of a major six-month relocation project.
11 June 2012
Free Public Wi-Fi Planned For Belfast
Plans are to be unveiled today for a city-wide free public wireless internet service in Belfast. If successful, the scheme would mirror Bangor's free wi-fi throughout the town centre, which became operational last month. The seaside town was the first place in Northern Ireland to provide free public wi-fi for shoppers, residents and visitors.
Free Public Wi-Fi Planned For Belfast
Plans are to be unveiled today for a city-wide free public wireless internet service in Belfast. If successful, the scheme would mirror Bangor's free wi-fi throughout the town centre, which became operational last month. The seaside town was the first place in Northern Ireland to provide free public wi-fi for shoppers, residents and visitors.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
