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Why are UK shops closing – and what does it mean for high streets?

23May

By Charlotte Burley-HnatNo Comments

News

Why are UK shops closing – and what does it mean for high streets?

From flagship department stores to local independents, the UK’s retail sector is seeing continued closures. Vacant retail units and closing down signs in Harrogate town centre. Image credits: Charlotte Burley-Hnat. What’s happening to UK retail? In recent years, shoppers across the UK have noticed a steady rise in the number of empty shop units on their high streets. In 2024 alone, 34 retail businesses failed, leading to the closure of 7,537 stores and impacting 55,914 employees, according to the Centre for Retail Research. High streets in particular have borne the brunt of these closures. But what’s driving this, and what might it mean for the future of town centres? Why are shops closing? Rising costs Businesses are facing increased pressure from rent, ...

Harrogate ex-retail worker believes sector is “on the brink of collapse” as store closures continue

23May

By Charlotte Burley-HnatNo Comments

News, News Reports

Harrogate ex-retail worker believes sector is “on the brink of collapse” as store closures continue

A former store manager in Harrogate has warned that the local retail sector is “on the brink of collapse” after being made redundant from her fourth job in 10 years, amid rising rents and increasing pressure from online competition. Baytree Interiors Harrogate store-front prior to closure. Image supplied by Michelle Barton. Michelle Barton lost her job in February 2025 when homeware chain Baytree Interiors shut its Harrogate store, alongside branches in Meadowhall and Doncaster. The company’s ongoing contraction reflects a wider trend within the business. “When I started there five years ago, Baytree had 14 stores across the UK - now only four remain,” she said. Barton, who has worked in Harrogate’s retail sector for a decade, says she has repeatedly seen high street stores dis...

Baking Excellence in the North East: Northern Rye and Bread and Roses Win National Awards

17Dec

By Charlotte Burley-Hnat2 Comments

News, News Features

Baking Excellence in the North East: Northern Rye and Bread and Roses Win National Awards

The North East has long been home to a rich culinary heritage, but now its bakeries are taking centre stage on the national stage - with two of its bakeries earning top honours at the National Bakery Awards 2024. Northern Rye's pastries for sale. Image credit: Charlotte Burley-Hnat Walking into Northern Rye, the aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the air. Robbie Livingstone, the owner, greets me warmly. “Would you like a coffee as well?” he says, placing a freshly baked tiramisu cruffin - a delicate pastry blending the best of a croissant and a muffin, with a coffee, caramel, and molasses cream filling - in front of me. With flour-dusted hands and a passion for their craft, today, Northern Rye and Bread and Roses are basking in the glory of their hard-earned achievements. At th...

Aldi Shoppers Urged to Return Product Over Serious Allergen Labelling Error

1Dec

By Charlotte Burley-Hnat6 Comments

Allergens, News, News Reports

Aldi Shoppers Urged to Return Product Over Serious Allergen Labelling Error

Aldi is the latest UK supermarket to recall a food product due to a packaging labelling error that poses serious risk to those with allergies. Image of an Aldi store sign. Image credit: Charlotte Burley-Hnat Aldi’s ‘Lets Party Vegetable Bao Buns’ were recalled and taken off supplier shelves, following allergens sesame and duck meat not being included on product labels. Let’s Party Vegetable Bao Buns Pack Size: 8 Pack Barcode: 4061463842909 Best Before Date: All Aldi's recalled Let's Party Vegetable Bao Buns. Image credit: Aldi The product poses a serious health risk for those with an allergy to sesame. Customers who have bought the product and are allergic to sesame are urged to return the product to their nearest Aldi store for a full refund. Whilst n...