It has among the lowest vacancy rates in the country
Wimbledon town centre has some of the lowest shop vacancy rates in the country, with just 1.77% vacant against a national average of around 9.1% and London average of 6.5%.
The figures have been revealed by the Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District, which says also there are 277 trading shops and restaurants in Wimbledon town centre.
In 2015 more than 15 street-facing businesses moved into the town including Franco Manca, & Pasta, Flavous, Paverly Bridal, Mobalpa Kitchens, Carluccio’s Pop Up, Help for Heroes, Five Guys, Firezza, Dip ‘n’ Flip, Bliss Coffee and Chickadee.
Intersport and Trespass are also due to open in the coming weeks and Dreams has recently reopened opposite Sainsbury’s on Worple Road.
Helen Clark Bell, BID Manager, said: "Wimbledon is a great place to open a shop or restaurant – what is also very exciting is how many independent shops we are attracting as a town. Our research shows that customers impressions of the town centre are improving and the range of events and activities that are put on by Love Wimbledon get the thumbs up.
"The figures are testimony to the improvements that have happened in the town and are representative of the incredibly strong business community in Wimbledon and the great customers we get in town. We are well and truly open for business and are really proud of our town's success."
Around 50% of the new businesses are independents, which reflects the variety and point of difference the town is experiencing. Cultural hotspots including the HMV Curzon, The Odeon, New Wimbledon Theatre and Polka children’s theatre are part of what attracts many restaurants and cafes to the area. The increase in office workers has also been a major attraction for shops and cafes in the area.
December 15, 2015