By George Schofield, Associate Director - York
York is firmly established as a leading UK tourism and shopping destination – attracting 9.4million visitors in 2024 – with around 1.7million choosing to stay overnight.
Statistics show that the majority of money spent in the city is on shopping, followed food and drink, accommodation, and recreation.
As a business which specialises in selling and leasing commercial properties in York, our team at Garness Jones has seen business owners benefit immediately from choosing to move into the heart of this wonderful historic city, where we are proud to be based.
Here’s the top five reasons we believe retail businesses benefit from being in York
- Visitors willingness to ‘splash the cash’
Despite the continued increases in cost of living, visitors to York come ready and willing to part with their hard-earned cash, whether it be on spending a couple of nights away in a B&B or hotel, or looking for some retail therapy in the city’s shops.
According to Visit York, In 2024, the city’s visitor economy was £2.01 billion, with it estimated that 34% of visitor spend - around £680 million per year – was on retail.
- It’s a great home for unique retailers
There’s strong demand for gifts, fashion, food, and specialty goods from visitors to York, with the city known for supporting independent retailers, artisan makers, boutique shops and those specialising in, gifts, books and crafts.
The city is home to many independent retailers who are setting out in their first store, making the leap from online trading to a physical shop, knowing that they will benefit from the footfall levels.
- A reputation for high-quality
York has established a reputation for high-quality, with retail stores themed around heritage, craft, luxury, artisanal products, food & drink, and handmade goods performing especially well because they align with York’s identity and visitor expectations.
If you’ve got a unique or premium product, York could be the place for your business.
- Strong calendar of events
Retailers in York benefit from an extremely busy events calendar throughout the year which again drives the number of people into the city centre up, boosting footfall.
From the regular York Races events throughout the summer months to the Food & Drink Festival, The Viking Festival (Jorvik), St Nicholas Fayre, University open days and of course York Christmas Market in December (which is now one of the UK’s biggest)
- A compact, walkable city centre
Unlike some city centres, York is a tightly compacted city centre, packed with popular cafes, restaurants and pubs which help keep shoppers in the city for long periods.
Its layout funnels people through key retail streets including The Shambles, Coney Street, Parliament Street, Stonegate and Petergate, creating a dense footfall, benefitting street-front retail.
If you can get your business on one of these streets – and many retailers are prepared to wait a long time for such an opportunity – the sky’s the limit.
Our team at Garness Jones has expert knowledge of the retail market in York, and a deep understanding of local demographics, trends, and competitors.
Whether it be strategic support for landlords over retail properties and portfolios, identifying opportunities for investors, or helping independent retailers find their first property, we can help.
Contact George Schofield, York Office, on george.schofield@garnessjones.co.uk or 07950 403367
