Six Empty Shops That Might Be The Key To Recovery
I'm no expert in economics but I have a simple theory. If we really are going to claw our way out of recession this year, then surely we'll be able to see the evidence of that on our High Streets. Take all these empty shops we see in city centres these days. Can we monitor recovery based on how quickly they are re-occupied?
Well that was the idea I sent to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Scotland's business journalists this afternoon, but so far I've heard nothing back from them. I'm guessing they're rolling their eyes at my simple, child-like suggestion or clutching their sides to prevent laughter-induced injury.
They can be so cruel.
But hey, who needs 'em? This blog has long been the home for my sillier ideas and so it shall be again.
Today I walked through the pedestrian precinct in Inverness and counted six empty shops, including my old favourite Woolworths. I was writing about the closure of Woolies this time last year and honestly thought someone would have snapped up that location by now.
Nope.
Add to that we have the former outlets of Adams (kids clothes). Millets (camping/outdoor gear), Viyella (womenswear), a former Job Centre (ironically) and the little Lemon Tree cafe.
Let's return in six months and see what's happened to each of them.
Deal?
Sadly, if you don't want to play this game with me, in Inverness, you can look around a High Street nearer to you.
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