Retail vacancy rate increases

The retail vacancy rate in Hertford has increased over recent months due to the addition of new units in the town centre.

According to our database of retail premises, the vacancy rate is currently 13.9%, compared to 10.5% in Ferbruary.

The increase in empty properties is down to closures such as PopWorld, Proove Pizza and Peach; and the addition of new-build units in Railway Street.

However, new businesses heading to town include a craft beer bar and salon in Railway Street. A new bistro is also being fitted out in Lea Wharf.

Retail businesses up and down the country are faced with increasing costs and changing consumer habits, with market towns perhaps more vulnerable than larger catchments. Hertford especially suffers from being in the catchment area of larger new towns such as Harlow, Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City.