SHOPS in Glasgow are closing at a faster rate than new ones are being opened, creating uncertain future for the high street.

Almost two stores a week closed throughout 2018 while only 57 new stores opened, creating a net loss of 32 businesses.

Industry experts have said the sector is continuing to grapple with the growth of online shopping and are facing an uphill battle to survive.

It is hoped that the roll out of the Avenues project and addition of high-end private rent flats will increase the amount of footfall hitting Glasgow’s main shopping streets and encourage more businesses to open in the city to combat the downturn.

A number of high profile failures have rocked the once bustling Style Mile, made up of Argyle Street to Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street, in recent months.

Two branches of New Look closed and department store House of Fraser went into administration - causing a number of concessions to cease trading.

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Units previously occupied by BHS, Dunnes stores and Greaves Sports remain empty following their closure.

They have now been joined by Liam Gallagher owned clothing store Pretty Green on Buchanan Street which has closed as a result of House of Fraser going under.

Two major fires on Sauchiehall Street last year have had a negative impact on trading and forced a number of shops to close or relocate including Holland and Barrett, Specsavers, BoConcept and Biggars Music.

However, the completion of the Sauchiehall Avenue in May is hoped to bring the street back to life.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick, said: “A big challenge for retail is the relentless growth of online shopping, but the increasing use of click and collect shows that the majority of folk still enjoy coming to the city centre and having the whole experience of what it has to offer.

“Glasgow is a resilient city and our city centre will adapt to the future.

“It’s important that we give people a reason for visiting city centre stores and that will see an increase in shopping as experiential, offering things that cannot be had online.

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“Improving the public realm is one aspect of adaptation and over £100m has been allocated to investing in the new Avenues project that will improve the centre’s look and feel.

“In addition, attracting people to live centrally is a key priority, driving sustained volumes of footfall for the retail and leisure sectors, and Glasgow is at last moving forward there with large high-end private rental sector housing development by Get Living on High Street and Moda at the former Strathclyde Police HQ site on Pitt Street.”

Shopping streets outwith the city centre are also facing uncertainty with several businesses folding in the West End due to rent prices and a lack of footfall.

Locals believe an increase in parking charges and a reduction of spaces is forcing shoppers to go outwith the city to larger shopping centres.

John Turner, newly appointed chairman of the Byres Road and Lanes Business Improvement District, said landlords and Glasgow City Council need to do more to attract businesses.

He added: “It’s obvious that the nature of the ‘high street’ is changing. There has been a move away from the larger chain / department stores towards the smaller, independent ‘niche’ retailers, together with a thriving food & drink and leisure sector.

“All of these elements are required to make the modern high street a successful visitor destination.

“Landlords and councils also need to recognise this and provide suitable premises, perhaps by sub-dividing larger units, at realistic and affordable levels of rents and business rates (or whatever should replace them – perhaps some sort of local sales tax based on turnover rather than a tax based on property valuation.)

“Essential in the ‘mix’ must be access for the elderly and the disabled; regular, reliable and affordable public transport; suitable parking within a short walking distance; enjoyable public spaces and toilet facilities.”

There were a number of success stories for the city last year.

Victoria’s Secret opened their first Scottish flagship store, taking over a previously unoccupied unit on Buchanan Street. It was later joined by a flagship Schuh.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council added: “Glasgow city centre continues to be the UK’s biggest shopping destination outside of London, and while the retail environment is clearly changing everywhere, we are working closely with the business community to ensure we maintain this enviable position and make a visit to the city centre as attractive as possible.

“Some examples of this include the establishment of a City Centre Management Group to continually monitor and improve the local environment including delivery of action plans to encourage business/public partnerships; the delivery of a variety of initiatives to ensure Glasgow is competitive and inclusive while maintaining businesses and attracting new visitors - such as the High Street Area Strategy, the City Centre Lane Strategy, Autism Aware Glasgow, and Child Safe.

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“We have also developed a number of long-term strategies - including the City Centre Strategy & Action Plan, nine District Regeneration Frameworks, the City Centre Living Strategy and a night-time Economy Commission - all of which aim to ensure Glasgow has a competitive edge and delivers a welcoming environment for its citizens, visitors and investors.”

Fashion is not the only sector that has been hit hard in the city.

On the leisure side, brands such as CAU, Vapiano and Carluccio’s have closed their Glasgow branches.

Smaller traders including Wingerz, Cornerstore, Soy Division, For Fika Sake, Bar Gumbo and Smoke barbecue also closed their doors for good.