New shops continue to open in Dunstable as local businesses increase staff numbers which in turn is increasing demand for good quality rental property

Dunstable did suffer greatly in the last recession and in 2009 Mary Portas visited Dunstable for a BBC2 Money Programme documentary, about struggling high streets, and delivered a gloomy verdict on Dunstable town centre.

In January 2015 an article in The Daily Mail showed more than 40 retail premises that were closed in the once bustling market town High Street, but how things have changed in the 20 months since that article.

Although we don’t market retail premises I have had 2 enquiries recently from people looking to open new businesses but who were unable to find suitable premises. Having spoken to them recently they might now have found something they will suit their needs but it does highlight the shortage we now have in available retail premises. Some have been left empty and have fallen into disrepair especially a few units on High Street South but the owners are difficult to trace and don’t seem to be too worried about the money they are losing.

A walk around the town centre the other day and the following shops have just opened or are due to open in the next few weeks:

The Quadrant:
Coffee Republic, Select women’s clothes shop, Electro Mist and Poundworld currently being fitted out.
High Street South
Crepe Cottage and a New men’s clothes shop currently being fitted out.
High Street North
99p 4 U and The Bank Bar and kitchen opening 25th August

Other recently opened businesses include Streets Ahead Cafe, Gents Barbering, Burger King, Wędlinka Delight

This shows that there is growing confidence in Dunstable and why companies such as Amazon, Signature Flatbreads and Superdrug who employ large numbers of employees continue to expand their workforce. This in turn attracts more people to live in the area and therefore more local people who need local shops and restaurants.