Report Casts Further Doubt Over High Street

Consultancy firm Deloitte predicts a rise in the number of large warehouse-style outlets, where consumers will go and collect items they have ordered online.

Retailers will have to adapt to customer demand and trends in online shopping, with larger businesses reducing their property portfolios by up to 40%.

Philip Dorgan, a retail analyst at Panmure Gordon, said, “Sales through mobile devices are going through the roof, from a low base. The high street will become full of coffee shops, building societies, kiosks and hubs to pick up stuff.

“It’s a different place from ten years ago and I imagine in ten years’ time it will be a different place again,” he added.

The study comes after David Cameron commissioned a report from retail guru Mary Portas, who suggested hiring town teams to save the high street, as well as a national market day.