Tour operator TUI has recently announced that it will be closing 166 stores across the UK and the Republic of Ireland as Covid-19 had accelerated the shift to online sales.
Rick Smith, managing director of company rescue specialists Forbes Burton, commented that "Retail has been hit particularly hard,” and “Despite the Government's care packages in the form of various loan schemes, it could be that we have to wave goodbye to a number of large brands or chains."
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Amazon is introducing itself to the high street having signed deals to open more than 10 Amazon Go convenience stores across the UK and, according to The Sunday Times, is holding discussions for a further 20 sites.
Ashfords offers advice on both the grant of new leases and the termination of existing leases to both landlords and tenants. If you are concerned that your high street shop may be affected by Covid-19 and require legal advice in respect of an existing or proposed lease, please do contact us.
Related link to article: https://www.propertyweek.com/news/tui-to-close-more-than-166-high-street-shops/5109340.article
