MPs probe ways to boost high street ahead of crunch Christmas for many stores

详细摘要

As retailers prepare for what they hope is a Christmas rush, experts are set to tell MPs how high streets can be revived against a backdrop of rising bills and a forecast surge in energy prices

MPs are set to consider ways to revive Britain’s high streets as shops prepare for what for some could be a make-or-break Christmas.

Retailers are pinning their hopes on shoppers splashing the cash in the run-up to Christmas. With just under seven weeks until the big day, retailers are expecting a steady pick-up in trade from now on.

Positive signs on the state of the economy and the jobs market could give people the confidence to spend more this year. However, it comes against a backdrop of rising bills, with a forecast surge in energy prices in January threatening to force some households to hold back.

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A recent poll by Lloyds bank found around one in 10 people expect to spend less than £100 on Christmas this year. At the other end of the scale, its survey also revealed how 7% say they plan for slash out more than £1,000. The most typical festive budget is £250 to £499 (23%),

It is against this backdrop that MPs on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee are due to hear from experts on Tuesday. Among those set to give evidence is Helen Dickinson, chair of trade body the British Retail Consortium, Sacha Lord, chair of the Night Time Industries Association, and independent tax expert Dan Neidle.

It forms part of the committee’s inquiry looking at the action needed to revitalise the nation’s high streets. MPs are looking at the proliferation of “unwanted” retail businesses, including vape shops and “fake” barbers, and the impact they have on high streets and community pride. “We will be looking at different approaches to high street regeneration,” the committee has said.

Figures from the Centre for Retail Research suggest a wave of store closures this year had led to over 22,800 job losses in the first nine months.

Meanwhile, there are…

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