High street winners and losers revealed in BBC survey

Almost a third of shops in Altrincham are vacant

The high street in Greater Manchester is struggling in the face of changing trends and tough economic times, according to a national survey.

Latest figures for the region show the number of empty shops well above the national average, with around 20% of units in Manchester lying vacant.

Altrincham is the worst affected (29%) while nearby Hale one of the best.

However, town centres are seeing the rise of discount and charity stores - as well as the return of the pawn shop.

Discount

The BBC survey, conducted by the Local Data Company, looked at shop vacancy and occupancy figures across England as well as looking at how different types of shops are faring.

With 29% of shop premises standing empty, Altrincham town centre contrasts starkly with its near neighbour Hale which has one of lowest vacancy rates (4.8%).

But it appears the high street is changing as shoppers look for a bargain with the charity shop, the convenience store and the modern pawnbroker quick to cash in.

HIGH STREET WINNERS charity shops up 18% discount stores up 22% convenience stores in Manchester up from 10 to 18 [North West figures from Local Data Company for the 12 months to October 2010]

Professor Tom Cannon from University of Liverpool Management School said he wasn't surprised that discount stores were doing well in the North West.

There are three factors," he said.

"First of all it's a long established trend. Don't forget that Woolworths opened their first store in England in Liverpool 100 or so years ago, so we've always done that."

"Second, rents are relatively low compared to the rest of the country and third basically you have customers who are, in a sense, willing to do the smart thing, to look for what they want at a lower price."

Pawn shop

The pawnbroker has always thrived in a struggling economy and is nothing new.

But Cash Generator, based in Bolton, has given the practice a face lift for the 21st century.

In the past two years, the business has opened 54 new stores bringing its total to 120 across the UK.

Marketing Director Stuart Owens said people were drawn to its financial services as well as new and second-hand items.

If you discount, if you have a narrow range of products, you can actually develop a powerful market position." Professor Tom Cannon, University of Liverpool

"Many customers tend to refer to us as the eBay of the High Street," he said.

"They can see big brands, a great choice of products and not only can they buy products but they can sell products to us as well."

Stuart said paying less has always appealed to the canny shopper.

"We see through our stores 650,000 customers a week across our store network," he said.

"So you could say we're doing fairly well in the current climate but we like to think we are a business that trades not only through recession and current economic climate but in all trading conditions."

Other North West businesses such as Bargain Booze and Home & Bargains are also increasing their presence on the high street.

The survey also confirmed an increase in the number of charity shops, up 18% over the past 12 months, as well as convenience stores which almost doubled (up from ten to 18) in Manchester.

Professor Tom Cannon said it all pointed to the North West shopper's desire for a bargain.

"We have a particular niche here in the North West which has flourished, driven often by very good entrepreneurs who have spotted the fact that, if you discount, if you have a narrow range of products, you can actually develop a powerful market position."

For more details, watch Inside Out North West at 7.30pm, BBC One on Monday 6th December 2010.