Calls for Action Amid Dozens of Empty Units in Carlisle City Centre
Carlisle city centre has undergone a major revamp, but a growing number of retail units remain empty.
A list of 25 empty retail spaces in the area was recently shared, including details of their asking prices.
Readers responded with ideas for filling the vacant shops and boosting local business.
Peter Howe said: "As a retired retailer, I can tell you the sums no longer add up. Rent, rates, service charge, insurance, maintenance, and display costs. Add in wages and employer national insurance, plus the pension scheme and competition from the internet. This means you can’t physically get enough money through the tills with enough margin to even break even."
Author's summary: Carlisle city centre faces challenges with empty retail units.