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Aberdeen Retail Crisis: 23% of Shops Vacant

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 16:19 GMT by BBC
      Locales: Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM

Aberdeen, Scotland - February 12th, 2026 - A recent report published by Aberdeen City Council paints a stark picture of the city's retail heart, revealing that nearly a quarter (23%) of shops in the city centre now stand vacant. This alarming statistic underscores a growing crisis impacting Aberdeen's economic health and necessitates a comprehensive strategy for revitalization. While the findings, released earlier today, are described as "disappointing but not unexpected" by Council Co-Leader Councillor Alex Nicol, they demand urgent attention and collaborative action.

The report doesn't present these vacancy rates in isolation. It carefully details a confluence of factors contributing to the decline of Aberdeen's retail sector. The most prominent among these is the seismic shift in consumer shopping habits. The continued rise of e-commerce, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has demonstrably eroded foot traffic to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Consumers are increasingly opting for the convenience of online shopping, impacting businesses reliant on impulse purchases and browsing experiences.

However, attributing the problem solely to online competition would be an oversimplification. The pandemic itself left lasting scars. Lockdowns and social distancing measures forced temporary closures, and many businesses lacked the financial resilience to recover. Supply chain disruptions, initially triggered by the pandemic, continue to create challenges, impacting inventory and pricing. This has been particularly acute for businesses reliant on imported goods, a significant factor in a port city like Aberdeen.

Furthermore, the report highlights broader economic challenges that have disproportionately affected Aberdeen. The fluctuations in the oil and gas industry, historically the backbone of the local economy, have created periods of uncertainty and reduced disposable income for residents. While efforts are underway to diversify the local economy - embracing renewable energy and technology sectors - the transition is not yet complete, and the impact on retail spending remains palpable. The decline in the oil and gas sector also impacted the number of people working and living within the city centre, creating a cyclical downturn.

Councillor Nicol emphasized the Council's commitment to addressing the situation, stating, "We are acutely aware of the challenges facing Aberdeen city centre and the impact on our local economy. We are committed to working with businesses, landlords, and the community to create a vibrant and thriving city centre for everyone." This commitment is backed by a range of proposed solutions, including a thorough review of the business rates system. Business rates, a tax levied on non-domestic properties, are a significant cost for retailers, and a reduction or restructuring could provide much-needed relief.

Beyond financial incentives, the report recommends focusing on new development projects designed to attract foot traffic and diversify the city centre's offerings. This includes a move away from solely retail-focused spaces and toward a more mixed-use model, incorporating residential units, leisure facilities, and office spaces. Several proposals are currently under consideration, including the redevelopment of several key areas into pedestrian-friendly zones and the creation of cultural hubs aimed at attracting tourists and residents alike.

Importantly, the report underscores the need for collaboration between the Council, businesses, and landlords. Landlords, in particular, are being urged to adopt more flexible rental agreements and invest in upgrading their properties to make them more attractive to potential tenants. Empty storefronts not only contribute to a sense of decline but also reduce the overall appeal of the city centre.

The challenges facing Aberdeen are not unique. Many city centres across the UK are grappling with similar issues. However, Aberdeen's dependence on the oil and gas industry adds a layer of complexity. The success of the revitalization efforts will hinge on the ability to attract new industries, create employment opportunities, and diversify the local economy. The report suggests focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, digital technology, and tourism.

The Council is also exploring options for enhancing the city centre's digital infrastructure, recognizing the importance of providing high-speed internet access and supporting the growth of online businesses. This includes initiatives to promote digital skills training and encourage local businesses to adopt e-commerce solutions. The next steps will involve a series of consultations with stakeholders to gather feedback on the proposed solutions and refine the revitalization strategy. A dedicated task force, comprised of representatives from the Council, business community, and local residents, will be established to oversee the implementation of the plan.