The number of occupied shops grew in January as openings rose faster than closures fell, according to the LDC Dynamic Location Intelligence Bulletin - February 2017.

More shops opened than closed yet again, leading to higher occupancy. Vacancy rates continued to fall as net openings chipped away at the number of empty units. Shop numbers in January maintained the trend established in late-2016, continuing to recover ground lost in the mid-2016 slump, LDC’s monthly openings and closures numbers show.

The rolling three month averages in 2,700 locations across Great Britain used to track the LDC vacancy rates, showed accelerating net growth in numbers. Whilst openings were slightly below those in December, closures were at a lower level than for some time.

Once again, Comparison (non-food finished goods) shops were still in decline, although only by a small net amount, while Convenience, Leisure and Service categories all experienced growth in numbers, with Leisure outlets experiencing the strongest growth of all.