Recommendation 62

The wider economic circumstances, consumer preferences and the rent levels landlords seek to remain financially viable may result in the dominance of certain business types. For example, charity shops, owing to business rates relief and low to no staff costs, “can often afford more competitive rent rates than some of the retailers wanting to take over some space”. 122 Fast food businesses, such as chicken shops, were also cited as being able to afford tenancies as a result of their significant profit margins from high turnover and minimal labour and capital costs. 123