The difficulties facing independent traders were confirmed by the news that almost 2,000 British retail outlets were standing vacant in the first half of this year.
The biggest rise in vacancies in at least eight years has been recorded as small businesses battle against the economic headwinds.
The figures were compiled in research by the Local Data Company (LDC).
A total of 1,915 independent stores stood empty, reversing the impact of 1,335 net openings in the first half of last year.
Worst hit were hairdressers who recorded a net loss of 389 businesses with estate agents, pubs, fish and chip shops, florists, butchers, newsagents and car dealerships also closing stores.
By contrast barbers, beauty salons and convenience stores bucked the trend. Independent vape shops and health clubs are also experiencing an upsurge in trade.
Lucy Stainton, Commercial Director at LDC, said: “In this year’s macroeconomic environment, it’s our independent businesses that have suffered, especially those high-energy consuming businesses such as hairdressers and pubs.
“We have also seen a decline in independent estate agents as the housing market slowed against a backdrop of rising interest rates.
“And with newsagents struggling to compete with the increase in convenience stores and their broader offering, this was another subsector to struggle in the first half.”
Martin McTague, the national chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “New businesses conceived during the pandemic helped to counterbalance the businesses that sadly had to close as the economic disruption took its toll.
“News that many of these newer businesses in turn are encountering difficult trading conditions is worrying but not surprising given the huge challenges facing the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.”
LDC’s figures also showed that a net total of 2,000 chain stores had been left vacant in the first half of this year.
There has been a 27 per cent increase in retail and leisure sites being demolished for redevelopment.
