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Experts say retail confidence returning after stats show rise in store openings [Derby Evening Telegraph (England)](Derby Evening Telegraph (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) DERBY saw more shops open and fewer stores close last year, according to new data. A report compiled for Castle Donington business advisers and accountants PwC by the Local Data Company showed that in 2013, 40 stores opened in Derby, a rise of two on 2012. At the same time, only 28 shops closed last year, compared with 78 the previous year. According to the research, Derby and Northampton, were the only places to see an increase in new stores last year. Eddie Williams, deals director for PwC, said: "The trend of net closures for 2013 is encouraging and signals a return in retail confidence. The insolvencies of Jessops, HMV and Blockbuster, together with other solvent restructurings, account for most of the closures. "The recycling of shops from these estates, especially into convenience stores, was the biggest positive trend in 2013." The research found that photographic shops, fashion shops, banks, video libraries, travel agents, mobile phone outlets, recruitment agencies and shoe shops were the hardest hit in the East Midlands. Charity shops, convenience stores, betting shops, cheque cashing and coffee shops bucked the trend by showing growth during the year. Andy Lyon, partner and retail expert at PwC, said: "2013 saw a continuation of the high street metamorphosis driven by consumers changing behaviour as they adopt digital sales channels and newer technologies available to them. "Casualties have been in those areas where we have seen a rapid shift online, for example, travel, fashion, digital photography and banks. "And in the case of films, music and books, people can now buy online the products they used to buy on the high street. "We believe those changing high street trends will continue in 2014." (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |