The number of shops closing in Lincoln’s High Street has increased, according to new figures from Lincoln BIG.
Shop closures in the city increased in January to 8.3% and stayed the same last month.
- Photo: Kevin Spencer
Lincoln lost 13 businesses and shops in January alone, an increase on figures from the same time last year.
Last month, a further seven shops had to close and vacate their premises. However, plans for seven new businesses meant that shop closures for the city still stand at 8.6%.
Although Lincoln has lost fewer shops than the national average, which stands at a higher rate of 10.9%, the statistics from Lincoln BIG paint a worrying picture of the city’s High Street.
Michael Armstrong, Events and Promotions Manager for the organisation, blames the increase in shop closures on burgeoning online sales.
“We’re coming to terms with the internet; it’s having such an incredible impact on the High Street. We have to hang onto every business we can and I believe we’re doing that in Lincoln but we have to think forward.”
However Mr Armstrong says it’s not always clear when a shop or business is struggling: “I’ts always a closely guarded secret by the business, there may be only a few days notice. It would be good if there were some warning signs, so we could step in and help.”
Michelle Rudd, owner of Lincoln store Birdy’s Boutique, has seen her business move from the outskirts of Lincoln City Centre to a new premises in the Waterside Centre. She said that despite shop closures, there is still opportunity for smaller shop owners:
“I do think people are spending a lot online, definitely our online spending has increased.”
“It’s a bit of a worry but we’ve got a strong business plan. Everything seems to be going well for Birdy’s Boutique. A lot of people support the shop and the website.”
