Optimistic retailers look to open new stores amid pandemic

Property agent Christie & Co says it has seen visits to the retail section of its website soar by 40% over the past month.

Steve Rodell, managing director for retail, told TalkingRetail.com page hits had increased to 35,000 during May, up from a typical rate of about 25,000 a month.

That was already translating into inquiries and property viewings on the ground, he added.

Rodell puts the increase down to retailers who have seen a huge increase in trade during the pandemic as more people work from home and many shoppers look to shop local in order to maintain social distancing and avoid big queues at the multiples.

They have also been buoyed by business rate holidays granted during the crisis.

“The extra cash in their pockets right now means they can do that project they have been thinking ‘should I or shouldn’t I?’ about for some time,” Rodell said.

“It’s a very positive story at the moment, and it’s no less than they deserve.”

Social media posts from retailers, including Avtar Sidhu of Budgens Kenilworth in Warwickshire, suggest others are starting to carry out store refits in the midst of the pandemic.

“It’s only right we invest now to stay more relevant to our new-found audience,” Sidhu wrote.

Symbol groups also report an upswing in interest.

Dawood Pervez, managing director of Bestway Wholesale, said: “More independent retailers are now optimistic about opening a new store.

“We are getting a lot of inquiries about new fascias, so we might see a bit of a renaissance.”

Bestway’s portfolio includes symbol group Best-one and the Bargain Booze franchise.