The number of independent retailers increased by just 117 shops last year, according to data released by the Local Data Company (LDC) and British Independent Retailers Association (bira), the smallest number since LDC records began in 2006.
Indie stores increased by just 0.11% in 2015, a poor comparison to a peak of openings in 2010, when 3,349 new independent shops opened across the country. Analysis of town centres, shopping centres and retail parks shows that chain retailers have continued to decline with a net loss of -1,147 shops (-0.59%) in 2015 across GB, which compares to -1,436 shops (-0.76%) in 2014.
In 2015, a total of 68,100 independent stores either opened (34,288) or closed (33,812), down on 2014 where 69,207 opened (34,833) or closed (34,324).
'Comparison goods' or non-perishable goods shops saw an unchanged result with a decrease of -1.25%, the same figure as 2014. This means 989 stores closed in 2015, the exact number as the previous year.
Leisure stores saw an increase of 250 stores (+0.31%), convenience retailers went up by 178 units (0.66%) and service retail increased by 1,037 shops (+1.25%), the greatest increase of all retailer sectors.
Geographically, the Yorkshire and the Humber showed the greatest increase of independents at +189 units (+0.81%) versus +183 units (+0.82%) in 2014.
Greater London continued to show the greatest decline of independents at -347 units (-0.51% versus -0.34% in 2014)
The South West showed the greatest change in fortunes reversing a net increase of +231 units in 2014 to a modest increase of +27 units.
Telford is the town with the least percentage of independents (clone town) at only 1% (GB average is 65%) (based on locations with 50+ units).
Wider analysis of in and out of town locations shows that Retail Parks continue to see a positive increase in occupancy (+0.31%), whilst High Streets increased by +0.37%. Shopping Centres still saw the biggest net increase in occupancy of +1.41% in 2015, a swing of +139 units from 2014. Shopping centre owners are starting to see the value of having Independents in their shopping centres.
Independents now account for 65% (-1% change from 2014) of all retail and leisure units in Great Britain.