The Surrey Advertiser reported on 1st October 2021 that 15% of Guildford’s retail spaces are now empty. This is double what it was in October 2019 and greater than the national average. The average for the south-east is 12%. The Surrey Advertiser reported that shops are pulling out as leases expire. The large chains tend to have longer leases and it appears they are not taking risks by leasing them. As a result more independent shops are popping up as landlords accept shorter leases from independents and charity shops. Explanations for the decline include the closure of arts venues and restaurants during lockdown during Covid 19 and the impact this had on footfall. The absenseofstudents was another factor, again due to lockdown.
Guildford’s retail sector is dominated by clothes shops, in particular, high-end ladies fashion, homeware, restaurants, and coffee shops. It has more High Street chains than many towns although there are still a large number of independents.
The decline of the High Street was first recorded in 2018. In January 2018 local Councillor Tony Rooth did a survey of the number of shops closing in the High Street. He repeated this in July that year. There were 13 empty shops in January and by July this number had increased to 24
The reasons he gave were “high rents and business rates, internet buying, political uncertainty, Brexit, and the resulting reluctance to spend. There are also concerns about access to and parking in the town centre.”
High Street (including Upper High Street)
Jan: Full (zero empty units).
Jul: Now eight empty units including Field & Trek (closed January) and Maplins (closed May, I think).
North Street
Jan: Just one unit empty next to Poundland on the long-awaited awaited redevelopment site.
Jul: Now four empty including East.
Friary Street
Jan: Full (zero empty units).
Jul: Full (zero empty units) Friary Street is mostly cafes and restaurants. Very busy helped by outside seating and warm weather.
Swan Lane
Jan: Full (zero empty units).
Jul: Two empty units.
Market Street
Jan: Full (zero empty units).
Jul: Full (zero empty units) at present but Jones the Bootmaker closing down (increasing rent) and L’Occitane (moving to Tunsgate Quarter).
Tunsgate
Jan: Full (zero empty units).
Jul Full (zero empty units). Businesses have survived, thankfully, the major disruption during the construction of Tunsgate Quarter and the refurbishment of the street.
Tunsgate Quarter
Jan: Closed opening delayed from original November date.
Jul: – Two units not open or not fully open – White Company and Cath Kidston – both relocated from town centre sites.
Castle Street
Jan: Full (zero empty units).
Jul: Full (zero empty units).
Chapel Street
Jan: Full (zero empty units).
Jul: Two empty units, including Loch Fyne.
The Friary
Jan Five empty units.
Jul: Four empty units.
White Lion Walk
Jan Five empty units.
Jul: Four empty units.