Cautious' hope as retail rallies

SLOWDOWN IN STORES SHUTTING

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SHOP closures have fallen to the second lowest in a decade, a report has revealed.

Just over 12,800 stores still shut in 2024 - an average of 35 every day - but around 2000 fewer than were lost in 2023.

At the same time, around 9000 shops also opened, professional services giant PwC found.

Overall, there was a net 1.8 per cent decline in store numbers last year.