UK High Street hit hard: 2,000 more independent stores close in 2022 as inflation bites
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Almost 2,000 more British independent stores left empty in first half of 2022 as small businesses struggled with inflation and cost of living crisis.
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Reverses growth seen in 2020-2021 when independent outlets benefited from local shopping during pandemic.
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Hardest hit were hairdressers, pubs, estate agents, fish & chip shops, florists, butchers.
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North East and Yorkshire worst affected regions; Greater London fared better.
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In total 4,000 more retail vacancies than last year as chains also struggle; 41% of Debenhams stores still empty.