Hampstead High Street Empty Shops

The Ham and High reports empty shops are continuing to haunt Hampstead's streets due to soaring rents and slow trade during the recession.

Local traders - and even the bigger nationwide chains - need help more than ever if Hampstead is to retain its vibrant shopping atmosphere.

Karen Millen, Nine West, and Formes in Hampstead High Street have all closed in recent weeks, making the popular street unattractive and putting off yet more shoppers.

Despite slow trade, businesses are hoping loyal customers will prevent more shops closing down by shopping locally.

Yuhei Kando, who owns a salon opposite vacant beauty salon Vanilla Moon in Heath Street, believes a cafe should move into the premises to encourage trade near his shop.

"There are no cafes here, so it would be good if people had a reason to visit Heath Street rather than just passing by on their way to the High Street," he said.

Meanwhile empty maternity shop Formes closed down due to "high rents and bad business", according to a friend of the manager. Loze Benjamin, manager of the Nicolas wines shop, said: "It looks terrible to have shops closed in the high street.

"Even chains like Karen Millen can't survive because they are not profitable and the rents are too high.

"Formes next door closed because business was bad for them. The landlord wanted to put the rent up and they could not afford it."

Despite the empty shops and recession it is not all bad news, according to Mr Benjamin.

"Business for us is good," he said. "It is cheaper for people to eat at home with wine than go out for a meal."