London Small Shops Study
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Roger Tym & Partners completed a study for the Greater London Authority (GLA), assessing the role of small affordable shops in London.
In past decades, the number of small shops in London has declined as spend has become concentrated in larger stores and centres. During the recession, small independent retailers in Greater London have performed less well than in other parts of the country. There may be a need to support and encourage them.
There is a large body of research showing that local shops have a range of benefits for their areas. Local shops tend to be located in district and local/neighbourhood centres, and tend to be small. They also tend to be occupied by independent retailers. Such shops allow people to shop locally on foot, thereby reducing carbon emissions. They provide easy access to shops for low income groups, the elderly and those without cars. They also provide local employment and keep money in the an area.
Scores by retail sample centre
Roger Tym & Partners analysed Valuation Office data and the GLA London Health Checks 2009 to look at which types of London location have a lack or over supply of small shop units. Key factors are the average unit size, rent, proportion of multiple occupiers and vacancy rate in London’s town centres. We found that across London, there are centres where small shops appear to be vulnerable to being priced out.
There is a large body of research showing that local shops have a range of benefits for their areas. Local shops tend to be located in district and local/neighbourhood centres, and tend to be small. They also tend to be occupied by independent retailers. Such shops allow people to shop locally on foot, thereby reducing carbon emissions. They provide easy access to shops for low income groups, the elderly and those without cars. They also provide local employment and keep money in the an area.
Scores by retail sample centre
Roger Tym & Partners analysed Valuation Office data and the GLA London Health Checks 2009 to look at which types of London location have a lack or over supply of small shop units. Key factors are the average unit size, rent, proportion of multiple occupiers and vacancy rate in London’s town centres. We found that across London, there are centres where small shops appear to be vulnerable to being priced out.
In some boroughs, small units are being provided as part of larger schemes, for example Wards Corner (Haringey), Highams Park (Waltham Forest) and St. Martins Courtyard, Covent Garden (Westminster). However, affordability issues are complex. We concluded that London Boroughs should identify any need at the local level and draft an appropriate local policy for their own centres.
Further information
