THE number of stores closing in Worcester last year fell dramatically from 2012 as retail confidence returns. In 2013 the city lost 23 stores compared with 34 the year before, according to a report compiled by the Local Data Company for accounting giant PriceWaterhouseCoopers. The figures also show the number of store openings in Worcester increased, from 20 in 2012 to 22 last year.

Rob Hunt, deals partner at PwC in the West Midlands, said: "The trend of net closures for 2013 is encouraging and signals a return in retail confidence. The well-documented insolvencies of Jessops, HMV and Blockbuster, together with other solvent restructurings, account for most of the highlighted closures. The recycling of shops from these estates, especially into convenience stores, has been the biggest positive trend in 2013. "

Photographic shops, women’s clothing and fashion shops, banks, video libraries, travel agents, mobile phone outlets, recruitment agencies and shoe shops were among the hardest hit in 2013. Charity shops, convenience stores, betting shops, cheque cashing and coffee shops bucked the trend by showing growth during the year.

Jim McBride, chair of the chamber board of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Worcester is a great shopping destination for those from the county and beyond, offering an exciting and diverse range of retail and refreshment options. The growing buzz on the high street is palpable and we are really pleased to see that reflected in these statistics.'