Leeds locals reflect on shop closures and what needs to be done to boost our high streets

Leeds locals reflect on shop closures and what needs to be done to boost our high streets.

Transcript

00:00 I think it's kind of sad that we're losing some of the more independent shops.

00:03 It tends to be quite sort of franchised and chained these days.

00:07 And I think that's difficult.

00:09 I think what makes Leeds very good is that we still have that a little bit

00:13 in terms of the Corn Exchange and the little arcades.

00:16 And I think in more cities we still need to retain that

00:19 so it's not just the big chains.

00:22 I think you want as many kind of local and independent businesses as possible.

00:25 Again, obviously with business rates and stuff that's probably pretty difficult

00:28 but any time shops leave a high street it's always a bad thing.

00:33 You can always tell, I think, the health of a city and a high street

00:37 by the amount of shops that are either taken up or left abandoned.

00:42 I would like to see Gap back.

00:45 Gap was a really affordable and quality clothing shop that closed down.

00:52 But I doubt if they will because online shopping is booming, I think.

00:57 I think even I use online, so.