Number of shops lying empty drops as City take-up improves

The number of shops lying empty in the UK’s prime retail areas has fallen for the first time this year according to property adviser Cushman & Wakefield.Central London has one of the lowest levels of availability as the capital retains its reputation as a shopping destination. But shops in the City have not fared as well, although there are early signs that this is set to improve with a steady take up of surplus space – such as the new Hawes & Curtis store on Cannon Street.Out of the total number of shops in the UK, 10.3 per cent of shops are now lying empty – a decline of 2.3 per cent in the three months to 1 November.  Of this, 1.8 per cent are empty as a result of firms collapsing into administration.