The retail sector in London and the impact of coronavirus on trends

Retail goods accounted for 4.2% of London’s output in 2018. Output and productivity has been growing, and faster than in the UK.

The growth in ecommerce has been impacting adversely on the number of comparison shops since 2015. Despite this the number of retail shops in London rose in 2019.

Prior to COVID there was already a weakening of the relationship between the location of shops and where people work. Pressure on land in London has put the retail sector at risk in some areas. For example, there have been declines in the Central Activities Zone where there has been a growth in offices, and on high streets which have diversified into leisure activities.