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Vacant ex-Woolworths stores filled

The number of vacant former Woolworths’ stores on the high street has fallen by over 40% from 2009 to 2012, according to the Local Data Company.

It is four years since the iconic retailer went into administration and 807 stores were closed.

Discounters Poundland occupy the most ex-Woolworths’ stores at 8.6%, followed by independents at 7.8% and Iceland at 7.6%.

The LDC’s research shows one in three of the stores have become pound or discount shops.

Scotland has the most vacant Woolworths’ premises, while Greater London has the lowest with just three.

The study also found a number of non-retail businesses have acquired Woolworths’ properties, including Italian restaurant chain ASK and their Rayleigh unit; a library in Southsea; a dance school in Birmingham; and a dentist in Oldham.

Matthew Hopkinson, director at the Local Data Company commented: “This updated analysis of ex-Woolworths stores reflects the overall changes happening to high streets up and down the country. The take up by discount and food stores reflects the wider changes taking place.

“Of greater interest is the smaller but more diverse number of business types that have taken occupation such as a dance school, a dentist, a library and even a pub!

“Since Woolworths decline many more retailers have followed, which has acted as a catalyst to the fundamental changes in occupation of retail locations up and down the country. Change is constant and change is inevitable!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .