Report predicts over 132,000 UK shops could close by 2039 due to online shopping and rising costs

A new report predicts that 132,945 shops in the UK could close by 2039, with electrical appliance stores facing the highest risk of extinction by 2029. The decline is attributed to online shopping, Covid lockdowns, and rising living costs. Shoe shops and homeware stores are also expected to disappear by 2034, experiencing significant declines. Pubs, bars, and newsagents have seen the largest drop in registrations and an increase in closures. Simply Business has launched a campaign called "Bleak Friday" to encourage support for small businesses. The campaign highlights the challenges faced by independent shops and the potential impact on local communities.