Manchester Sees Increase in New Shops, Bucking National Trend

Manchester is bucking the national and regional trend with an increase in new shops opening their doors.

According to figures from PwC and The Local Data Company, the number of shops on the Manchester high street increased from 817 to 838 in the period from January to July.

Phil Schulze, manager of Manchester Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, which represents 400 city centre retailers, believes Manchester has been resilient to economic uncertainty because of investment in retail, office and residential developments, as well as in improved transport links. He said:

"Importantly this is all underpinned by long term investments in the transport infrastructure, and the ever increasing number of residential and office buildings as the city economy grows. All these factors are working together to make Manchester an increasingly attractive place to work, shop and visit. Throw in increasing numbers of hotels to further service a fantastic sporting, cultural and music scene and it all helps each business sector support one another, ultimately including retail."

Other areas in the region also seeing a positive change include Kendal, Lytham St. Annes, Blackpool, Preston, Leigh and Accrington.

At the other end of the spectrum, Liverpool and Burnley had the highest net reduction in the region, followed by Wigan, Oldham, Stockport and Bolton.

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