Many Banbury retailers still buoyant despite Covid gloom

While the pandemic has disrupted trading for many businesses, experts at White Commercial Surveyors say others have moved quickly to fill gaps in the market.

They say the new opportunities created by the health crisis have driven a number of new shop openings during 2020 and into this year.

These include lease agreements in Banbury for Vanjordans coffee shop, in Horse Fair, Fit Cookie Supplements in Church Lane, Pepe’s Piri Piri Restaurant in High Street, an international supermarket and a gym in Bridge Street, and The Italian Larder, in High Street, plus Gemini Hairdressers in Causeway, Bicester.

Chris White, managing director of White Commercial, said: “Despite the pandemic creating uncertain trading conditions, we have seen an improvement in the take-up of retail accommodation in the Banbury and Bicester regions.

“We consider that this is fuelled by many entrepreneurs in this successful and expanding corridor who have seen relevant market opportunities to open retail outlets, providing a direct and personal service to local and regional customer and population.”

He added: “We are expecting more Covid related uncertainty and substantial impact upon the high street as the shift from brick stores to electronic sales via the internet structurally alters the shape of the retailing environment.”