Manchester stands second in the UK in the top shopping destination stakes according to a new report out this week.
The CallCredit 2014 Retail Vision report puts the city behind only London’s Oxford Street in the shopping stakes which suggests that UK High Streets continue to evolve as consumers change their shopping habits.
The report highlights Manchester as a premium “hot spots” along with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guildford, Cambridge and Harrogate all in the Top 25 Retail Centres based on premium brand presence.
Mass market retailers are feeling the squeeze on UK high streets as the increased presence of retailers at both the ‘value’ and ‘premium’ end of the brand spectrum intensifies, according to the report.
The growth of pound shops, charity shops, fast food chains and other convenience stores such as betting and coffee shops are visibly changing the high street, leaving traditional high street stores with a challenging environment.
The home of the value store is steadily broadening its footprint and expanding into larger towns where they’re becoming a regular feature on local high streets, alongside “pop-up” shops where smaller retailers are taking advantage of short-term lets.
Chris Duley, Commercial Director – GMAP said “UK high streets and shopping venues are evolving as consumer behaviours and retail experiences change. The growth of click-and-collect, the broadening consumer appeal of both value and premium brands, shifting grocery shopping habits and the continued expansion of food and beverage outlets have all contributed to this shift”.
