Support Tunbridge Wells' independent retailers on July 4, 2011
By Rebecca_H | Thursday, June 30, 2011, 06:34
Across the country on July 4, the public will be encouraged to buy at least one item from a local, independent shop to keep their high street alive.
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Support your local independent retailers this 4 July in Tunbridge Wells
Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have teamed up with independent retailers and trade associations around the UK including the Association of Town Centre Management, British Independent Retailers Association, Independent Booksellers Forum, National Federation of Retail Newsagents, Photo Marketing Association and Independent Footwear Retailers Association to celebrate diversity on the high street.
The vast majority (92%) of retail businesses, 169,835 businesses, employ fewer than 10 people. These businesses help to create a strong community around town centres and high streets but many are struggling to compete in today's tough retail landscape. Independents' Day is a chance for the public to show their appreciation and support for local retailers.
Fresh data from Local Data Company's surveys of 2,700 UK retail destinations (out of a potential 4,400 total UK destinations), highlights the fact that high street vacancy rates have started to rise again. The Local Data Company states that 14.6% of outlets are now vacant. This indicates that approximately 50,000 units are now not currently open to business on the UK high streets, showing just how challenging the situation is on the ground.
Independent retailers are being asked to promote the campaign to their customers in their shop windows with the 'Your high street needs you!' poster, which can be downloaded online, and by 'liking' the campaign on Facebook and following it on Twitter.
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The number of shops lying empty in Tunbridge Wells is almost three times the TWBC target.
Figures released by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council show 11.4 per cent of retail premises in the town centre are currently vacant. The council wants to reduce this to 4.5 per cent but said vacancies remained high due to the "economic downturn and closures at the old cinema site".
It claimed the figure was lower than other town centres in Britain, and continuing uncertainty over the future of the cinema site accounted for 22 of the town centre's 60 empty units alone.
It was revealed last night on Twitter that the private sale of the old cinema has fallen through. Frustrated locals are calling for the Council to purchase it.
By Rebecca_H at 12:51 on 01/07/11
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