The number of empty shops in Wales was rising even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

Vacancy data for quarter one of the year has been released by the Welsh Retail Consortium in a partnership with the Local Data Company.

These were the key findings from the figures - which don't reflect the changes as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

  • The Welsh vacancy rate across all shopping locations was 15.9% in March 2020, an increase from 15.5% in December 2019
  • The vacancy rate for 16.8% for High Streets (16.4% in Dec19); 17.0% for Shopping Centres (16.3% in Dec19); and 6.7% for Retail Parks (6.7% in Dec19). 
  • Persistent Welsh vacancy rate - premises empty for two or more years – was 7.8%
  • Regionally, Wales compared badly with the º£½ÇÊÓƵ vacancy rate of 12.2%

Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said: "These figures provide an essential baseline to assess the impact of coronavirus on vacancies in Wales.

Bangor High Street

"Regrettably we commence from a very difficult position, with the overall 15.9 percent vacancy rate one of the poorest in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ. 

"Delving into the detail, both High Street and Shopping Centre premises showed high vacancies – something which is likely to be exacerbated by the current crisis. 

“With that in mind, it’s vital Welsh Ministers look afresh at their out-of-step decision not to provide all retail businesses with 100% rates relief.

"That different decision makes Welsh high streets and retail destinations more expensive to operate in, and consequently puts them at greater risk of store closures.

"It’s time for that decision to be reversed and to ensure Welsh businesses aren’t left at a disadvantage that could lead to gap-toothed high streets and empty units across the nation.â€