In This Issue
UK pet wellness brand HOWND secures deal to accelerate growth in America
Opportunity to showcase UK pet products in Las Vegas
Pet superstore revamped with new grooming salon
BIRA calls sharp rate of shop closures 'frightening'
Basildon mayor opens new-look Vets4Pets practice
Mr Bug offers last word in head-turning instore POS
Hurtta goes 'eco' with use of recycled materials
Growing pet food business Vale Pet Foods adds new dog training treats to its range
Award-winning Furr Boost now available to the trade through Pedigree Wholesale
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Plans to turn former museum into pet shop
Bookings now being taken for January consignment of PIF Export Scheme
Five vet-approved ways to beat the boredom this winter
The best of last edition of Pet Trade Xtra
Well-established pet store in Hampshire for sale
Dragons’ Den star features pet food firm in podcast
Pet tech brand sets ambitious targets for 2023
UK in animal welfare crisis, says Dogs Trust
Pets at Home launches pet food donation drive
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BIRA calls sharp rate of shop closures 'frightening'
 

The British Independent Retailers Association has said the sharp rise in shop closures over the past 12 months is 'frightening'.

 

The association, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has remarked on the latest figures released by the Centre for Retail Research (CRR) which has highlighted that 2022 saw 17,000 sites across the UK shut up shop as 'frightening' and 'toxic'.

 

The figures are the highest number seen in five years for UK high streets, shopping parades and out of town shopping parks - and are 50% higher than 2021. The number of jobs lost have also jumped significantly - with 150,000 posts closed, which has risen by 43% in the previous year.

 

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of BIRA said: "The number of shops closing is frightening and has accelerated throughout the year. It is due to a toxic combination of reduced consumer spending and rising costs.

 

"I feel that after three years of dealing with Covid from lockdowns to trading restrictions, and now coupled with the cost of living crisis, that indie retailers are worn out and tired," he said.

 

However Mr Goodacre added: "We can look forward to lower business rates in England and Wales (but not in Scotland where rates are being increased) as from April this year, but that coincides with the end of the energy support scheme. This report shows the urgent need to retain the energy support or 2023 will see many more shops closing."

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