The chief executive of business and tourism body Destination Bristol, John Hirst, has revealed that the southern city is managing to do what few others in the UK can – sustain and even post growth in its retail sector. In fact, the number of sales posted by city centre stores grew by 1.75 per cent in January when compared to the same period in 2012.
Cabot Circus
With the administrations of high profile chains such as HMV, Republic and Jessops since the start of 2013, many shoppers are choosing to avoid the high street altogether in favour of internet shopping. This has led to a drop in both profits and footfall for chains which remain in city centres and on high streets unless, of course, they also have a strong digital arm alongside their bricks and mortar presence.
However Bristol is certainly managing to draw the crowds, perhaps due to the fact that Destination Bristol launched a campaign to unite its three major shopping centres. Broadmead Shopping Centre, the Galleries and Cabot Circus now operate in harmony as Bristol’s Shopping Quarter – a move which has allowed them to retain their individuality but also to host events designed to attract consumers back into the city centre.
Mr Hirst says; “No one is denying that things are very difficult out there but we are heading in the right direction.
“We are in a very good position and when you compare Bristol to other cities we are still performing very strongly.”
It certainly seems that Bristol is managing to achieve the impossible, especially considering that UK footfall dropped by 26.4 per cent in December according to the ATCM National High Street Index. However there are still problems to be tackled, such as the vacancy rate which currently stands at 11 per cent.
Vacancy rates have become a hugely difficult issue to tackle as consumers desert the high street, with some cities seeing as many as one in three retail properties lying empty.
Mr Hirst continues; “Once again, we are below the national average but 11 per cent is still 11 per cent too many.
“One of my jobs over the course of the year will be to go out into the country to talk to the retailers.
“We have a great mix of shops in Bristol but we can always be doing more to attract even more big names.”
With many Portas Review initiatives being implemented across the UK, it can only be hoped that other towns and cities will soon be following in the footsteps of Bristol.
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