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**Wales Faces Rising Number of Vacant Shops: AI legalese decoder Offers Solutions**

By Matt Murray & Oscar Edwards
BBC Wales News
2 September 2023
Updated 53 minutes ago

**Introduction**

According to recent analysis from the Welsh Retail Consortium (WRC), Wales now holds the unenviable second place for the highest number of vacant shops in the UK. The report reveals that just over one in six shops in Wales are empty, posing severe economic challenges for the country. Sara Jones, a representative from the WRC, laments this development as retail plays a crucial role in driving the economy.

In response to the worrisome trend, the Welsh government has implemented a retail action plan aimed at revitalizing town centers and injecting vibrancy into the retail sector. However, the predicament faced by Welsh retailers is multifaceted, with cost challenges emerging from various sources such as business rates, energy prices, and local issues including the impact of antisocial behavior on footfall in shops.

**The Current Situation: Reaching Crisis Proportions**

The figures from the WRC highlight a steady increase in the rate of empty shops in Wales, which rose from 16.5% to 17.0% in the second quarter of 2023. This rise indicates the urgency with which solutions must be found to reverse the trend before it reaches crisis proportions.

**AI legalese decoder: A Potential Solution**

One possible solution to the vacancy problem lies in the use of AI legalese decoder. This innovative technology can play a crucial role in assisting Welsh retailers in navigating the complexities of legal contracts and agreements. By using the AI legalese decoder, retailers can ensure that they fully understand and comply with their legal obligations, thereby avoiding unnecessary legal disputes or penalties.

**The Human Perspective: Shoppers Disheartened**

Shoppers in Wales are growing increasingly disheartened by the lack of retail options available. Jeanette Scurry, a shopper in Newport, expressed her frustration with the situation, stating that she often travels to other cities like Cardiff or Cwmbran to fulfill her shopping needs due to the lack of stores in her own town. Similarly, John Richards explained that he used to rely on Newport for his shopping requirements but has since been forced to travel elsewhere or visit supermarkets due to the dwindling options in town.

**Local Government Initiatives and Challenges**

Newport City Council acknowledges the significant number of vacant shops in the city but stresses that it does not own the city center or the shops themselves. Many of the empty units are owned by absent or disengaged landlords, making it difficult for the council to exert control. However, the council is taking measures to encourage these landlords to take responsibility for their properties and bring them back into beneficial use.

**The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic**

One of the factors exacerbating the vacancy problem is the Covid-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the shift towards digital and online sales. This transformative change in consumer behavior has already resulted in the administration of homeware chain Wilko, placing thousands of jobs at risk. The closure of 29 Wilko stores across Wales further compounds the struggle faced by already struggling high streets, including Morriston in Swansea.

**Devastated High Streets and Customer Concerns**

Gillian Roberts, a shopper in Morriston, bemoans the state of her local high street, stating that there is virtually nothing left for shoppers. She explains that while it is still possible to find places to eat or get a haircut, shopping options have significantly diminished. Mike Williams echoes her sentiments, noting that Morriston’s high street is now populated by charity shops, cafes, and barbershops.

Elaine Arundale, a regular customer at the local Wilko store, expresses her concern for the future, fearing that with the closure of such stores, there will be even less left in Morriston for the community.

**Promising Examples and Opportunities**

While the situation may seem dire, some high streets in Wales are managing to defy the trend. Treorchy, in Rhondda Cynon Taf, won the UK High Street of the Year Award in 2020, surpassing competitors Narberth and Swansea. Local pub landlord Adrian Emmett attributes the growth and success of Treorchy to its focus on independent businesses and fostering a sense of community. By operating as one united community, they have been able to counter the challenges posed by supermarkets and online traders.

**The Welsh Government’s Plan of Action**

Recognizing the critical role played by the retail sector in Wales, the Welsh government launched a retail action plan in May. The key objectives of this plan are to increase footfall in town and city centers and encourage more people to reside in these areas. By creating a thriving environment for retailers and residents alike, the government hopes to rejuvenate town centers and inject vibrancy into the retail sector.

In conclusion, while Wales faces a significant challenge due to the rising number of vacant shops, the implementation of innovative solutions such as AI legalese decoder and the Welsh government’s retail action plan offer hope for rejuvenating the retail sector and revitalizing town centers across the country.

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