Poorly performing high streets are a reflection of businesses failing to provide what consumers want and should be converted to other uses, including housing and classrooms, according to one of the country's leading retailers.

'Where high streets are in trouble it is usually because they are not providing what the local population wants. Of course, this does not have to be retail,' Justin King, Sainsbury chief executive is expected to say in a speech this week.

'What I think we need to do is... be brave enough to shrink the high street and allow empty shops to be converted for other uses such as residential where there is over-capacity.'

King will tell the annual City Food Lecture at the Guildhall on Wednesday that despite selling an increasing non-food offer, supermarkets are not to blame for the state of high streets and that high streets were all to often a 'poor second' to out of town shopping.

'Supermarkets have reflected society and changes in society. Many shoppers do not have the time to potter between the butcher, the baker and grocer. I do not believe that the high street is doomed, nor that it is all the fault of supermarkets.'

• < Prev
• Next >