Smaller Malls Struggle Amid Retail Crisis

  • Smaller shopping centres worst hit by store closures in 2017
  • LDC Health Index shows vacancy rates rise at lower-ranked centres
  • Overall GB shopping centre vacancy rate increased to 11.2%
  • Retail parks experienced growth in occupied units
  • Shopping centres saw net loss of -1.88% in numbers
  • UK retail landscape under scrutiny

A new study by the Local Data Company reveals that smaller shopping centres were hit hardest by store closures in 2017, with vacancy rates rising from 19.7% to 19.9%. The LDC Health Index, which evaluates over 3,000 locations across Britain, showed that only retail parks experienced growth in occupied units last year. Shopping centres saw the largest drop in numbers despite new openings. Lucy Stainton, senior relationship manager at LDC, commented on the ‘unprecedented era of change’ in the retail industry.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the impact of store closures on smaller shopping centres and the overall vacancy rate in Britain. It cites data from the Local Data Company’s LDC Health Index and includes quotes from a senior relationship manager at the company to support its claims. The language used is factual and informative, without any clear signs of sensationalism or opinion masquerading as fact.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the impact of store closures on smaller shopping centres and highlights the increase in vacancy rates. It also includes insights from an expert in the field. However, it could benefit from more analysis or discussion of potential solutions or long-term trends.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Retail and real estate sectors
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the impact of store closures on shopping centres and retail parks, which affects the vacancy rates and overall performance of these locations. This has implications for investors and businesses in the retail and real estate industries.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article, and the situation described is not considered a crisis as it is part of an ongoing trend in the retail industry rather than a sudden and severe event.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk