While Aylesbury continues to attract shoppers, cafés and independent businesses, empty shopfronts remain scattered across the town centre, highlighting the difficulties many retailers face in today's economic climate.
Rising business rates, increasing rents, higher energy bills and growing employment costs have all added pressure to businesses already competing with the continued rise of online shopping.
Changing consumer habits have also reshaped the high street. More shoppers now choose the convenience of buying online, while others increasingly favour retail parks where parking is often easier and stores are larger.
For many independent retailers, balancing rising overheads with reduced footfall has become increasingly difficult, leaving some with little choice but to close their doors.
Vacant units are not unique to Aylesbury, with town centres across the UK experiencing similar trends. However, empty properties can have a noticeable impact on the appearance of a high street and may influence how visitors perceive the town.
In response, councils across the country are exploring new ways to bring long-term vacant premises back into use, including regeneration projects and High Street Rental Auction powers aimed at helping empty shops find new tenants.
Despite the challenges, many businesses continue to thrive in Aylesbury, and investment in the town centre remains ongoing. But the empty units serve as a reminder of how much the retail landscape has changed in recent years.
On the flip side, it also means there is ample opportunity for news businesses to come start up at empty premises in the town.
Scroll through our gallery to see the empty units.
9. High Street Radio, High Street
High Street Radio premises on Aylesbury High Street sits empty. Photo: Iconic Media
10. Iceland Food Warehouse, High Street
Iceland frozen food supermarket was a fixture on Aylesbury High Street for decades but closed when the company opened a large Food Warehouse store at the retail park off Cambridge Street and a concession inside The Range on Broadfields. The unit has sat empty for years. Photo: Iconic Media
11. Mendoza's cafe bar, High Street
Mendoza's cafe bar and night spot was once hugely popular on Aylesbury High Street. The venue, which used to be Deep Pan Pizza, was one of the go-to destinations for a night out for several years. But like many pub/clubs it failed and has also sat empty for years. Photo: Iconic Media
12. Lets Rent empty unit, High Street
Another unit sits empty on Aylesbury High Street. Photo: Iconic Media