Proportion of empty shops dips by 0.1pc

The Local Data Company’s monthly barometer of shop vacancy decreased by 0.1 percentage point in November, the second monthly reduction in 2012.

Town centre vacancy rates in Britain reduced to 14.31 per cent in November from 14.41 per cent.

The percentage of independent units as a percentage of the total has stayed the same at 68 per cent.

Matthew Hopkinson, director at the Local Data Company, said it was “encouraging news”.

“However, two key factors are likely to be driving this... take-up of units prior to the Christmas trading period and vacant shops changing use from shops to leisure,” he said.

He added: “2013 will be another very challenging year for the high street with online sales becoming even more significant.”