A recent article by The Spalding Voice highlights that the number of empty shops in Spalding has risen by 600% since 2019 – a trend those behind a new retail study say reflects wider national patterns.
The Retail and Leisure Study by JDM Consulting found that around 14% of Spalding’s retail space now stands empty, compared with just 2% before the pandemic. While that sounds alarming, it’s actually slightly better than neighbouring towns like Peterborough and Boston, where vacancy rates are over 22%.
However, the report also revealed that only 18% of local wages are being spent in the town, with many shoppers opting for online stores or heading to Springfields, which now attracts over half again as much retail spend as Spalding’s town centre.
The study concluded that while the town still caters well for residents, it struggles to attract more affluent shoppers from surrounding areas – a challenge local business owners know all too well.
So what do you think?
Is Spalding’s high street simply changing with the times – or do we need to do more to support our town centre businesses? Join the conversation over on our ikandoo Facebook page and tell us what you think.
👉 Read the full story from The Spalding Voice
