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Having asked, on the SnapShop Blog in July, if the UK was turning a corner in its recovery, it seems to be that all news items are stressing the point. With consumer confidence rising; the Bank of England providing stability; house prices on the up and a slight easing in inflation, the news this month has had a rather more positive sentiment than of late.
The positive news isn’t confined to the UK, as we hear this week that the Eurozone has moved out of recession with the economy growing by 0.3% in the second quarter.
Back in the UK and the government thought it had hit upon a sound idea to kill two birds, with its proposal to ease the planning rules. The idea is that town centre properties could be converted to residential use. However, these have been met with only cautious approval, with many commentators showing some support for the general philosophy, mixed with concerns as to how this would take shape.
Meanwhile the Crown Estate is doing its bit to ensure high street retailing lives on, by opening some of its prime real estate in Piccadilly to small independent retailers where pop-up shops will showcase the wares of 10 fledgling retailers, in a celebration of British products.
The latest technological innovation means that Richmond High Street in West London has become the first in Britain to introduce facial recognition payment technology, allowing shoppers to pay on their mobile phone and be recognised by their first name and picture.
In property news, preparations are underway for the refurbishment of The Mailbox in Birmingham and Intu’s plans to build a £17m restaurant quarter within Newcastle's Eldon Square shopping centre have been recommended for approval.
SnapShop records of successes and failures this month go from the excitement surrounding the UK launch of J Crew, through the reverberations of the Internacionale pre-pack which sees them taking a tough stance in rent negotiations, to textile retailer Mostyns being the only casualty in the month.
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