The Guardian, in its end of year report, paints a gloomy picture of retailing in 2019.
Last year, the retailing figure fell for the first time in 24 years. Non-food retailing dropped 1.6% in the last quarter of 2019.
Perhaps a brighter note is sounded by the move from buying goods towards spending on experiences, with cinemas, pubs and takeaways all recording increased business.
What lessons can be learned from these trends, beyond the obvious need for retailers to diversify and innovate?
Commercial Property Advisors (CPA) believes that now is the ideal time for firms to consider having their non-domestic rates, for so long a financial bugbear and brake on investment, challenged by professional specialists.
CPA's no win no fee service has seen an 80% success rate in winning appeals to the VOA, considerable payouts and more sensible re-alignment of rates bills with turnover.
CPA will respond promptly to all requests for help and advice and believes that, while the burden of rates can never be fully erased, at least its excesses and injustices can be eliminated by a timely re-examination, including free surveys where necessary, of every aspect of commercial properties. Further, CPA's friendly team undertakes to keep its clients apprised of every stage in the appeals process.
