“More than 200 UK shopping centres are in danger of falling into administration, experts are warning.
Analyst Nelson Blackley said the demise of “major anchor stores” such as BHS and Toys R Us, and the rise of online retail, had caused a “downward spiral”.
Many of the at-risk centres are owned by US private equity firms under deals that will need refinancing.
“If centres close, particularly in small towns, it will be catastrophic,” Mr Blackley warned.
The Department for Communities said it was “committed to helping communities adapt”.
Mr Blackley, from the National Retail Research Knowledge Exchange Centre, said the UK had an excess of shopping centres with similar retail offerings.” …
East Devon Watch 