In total, 7,160 shops opened, compared to 17,219 closures, a net decline of 10,059, according to PwC research compiled by the Local Data Company (LDC). 

Although the net change has worsened since 2020, the number of closures per day has remained stable, 47 in 2021, compared to 48 in 2020. A decline was expected with the ongoing impact of the pandemic and as large retailers that were on the brink of closure at the end of 2020, exited the market for good. Meanwhile, government support for chain retailers was mostly phased out in July 2021 adding pressure to those retailers reliant on grants.