The post pandemic recovery has seen a return to bricks and mortar shopping, while the high street also benefited from the effect of Royal Mail strike action in the run-up to Christmas.

Stores closed at their slowest rate since 2014 in 2022, with net closures at their lowest level in five years, according to PwC analysis of the high street retail market. High street openings were driven by takeaway and convenience store expansion, while leisure, DIY and pets were other sectors in growth mode.