Online businesses move into suburban shops

Empty shops in the suburbs of Bristol could be given a new lease of life by providing the base for growing businesses that sell predominantly online.

As the number of online retailers grows property website PropertyDNA.com is seeing a growing number of enquiries from online businesses looking for physical shop premises in out-of-town locations.

Central location isn't vital to the livelihood of these businesses as they rely on their online facility but can still benefit from local trade. Publicising the shop from their website means the outlets become destinations for online customers, who want to view items before they buy.

With shop space for rent in suburban locations such as Henleaze Westbury-on-Trym, Bedminster and Fishponds through PropertyDNA, there is a huge choice for traders. It provides them with a base and a place to store goods and as specialist traders people are willing to travel to visit them.

Christopher Tabor, chartered surveyor and commercial property specialist with PropertyDNA, said: "Communities within Bristol place real value on their local businesses. Thanks to Government-led campaigns such as Save Our High Street the call for independent retail is higher than ever. Finding an empty outlet in a populated area can be a fantastic opportunity to expand an already successful venture.

"Certain online retailers are looking to bolster their trade by moving back into shops as specialists. They are taking advantage of lower rents and are able to attract customers from a wide area to their suburban locations."

With the largest number of independent retailers on any road in the UK and a Traders Association, the Gloucester Road is prime ground for online retailers to expand their business. Numerous properties ranging in size from 472 square feet to 3,832 square feet along the Gloucester Road are available through PropertyDNA. A loyal customer base committed to purchasing local products means the Gloucester Road is a hive of industry.

PropertyDNA, a national commercial property website provides comprehensive listings for rental properties in Bristol and the surrounding areas. With tools including a jargon buster, the site de-mystifies the process of retail space rental for first time commercial tenants.