Figures released by the Local Data Company (LDC) show that Britain's shop vacancy rate remains the same as it was in February at 13.6%.
Shop vacancy levels in March 2013 were pitched at 14.1%, showing that during a 12 month period there was a 0.5% improvement.

However, the LDC reports that there are still 51,589 vacant shops across Great Britain.

Director at the LDC, Matthew Hopkinson, says towns are still seeing the drawdown of major chain retailers, but these shops are being quickly replaced by independent stores.

He adds: "What is clear is that the new consumer values shops and that shops have a healthy future as a key channel for retailing and we will not all be confined to sofa shopping in the months and years ahead."