EVESHAM has bucked the national trend with one of the lowest figures of vacant shops in the country.
Just eight per cent of shops in the town are empty, compared with a vacancy rate of 18.5 per cent across the West Midlands.
The average vacancy rate nationally was reported as 14.6 per cent at the end of June, up from 14.3 per cent six months ago.
Shawn Riley, Evesham Market Town Partnership Manager, said: “Evesham remains an attractive proposition and has plenty to offer retailers.
“The town is also becoming recognised as the UK’s number one festival destination.
“The recent Evesham Festival for example attracted more than 40,000 visitors to the town and Saturday’s Pie & Ale Festival is expected to attract thousands of people to the main shopping areas. Add to this a Loyalty Card due to be launched in October.
It’s a great way for local people to get involved and support their local shops.
“Helping our town shops thrive is the best way to attract new stores to open.
“Everyone’s feeling the pinch, but our retailers are really working hard to offer customers a quality experience when they walk through the door.”
