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.
13. Quality Discounts, High Street
Popular store Quality Discount, known locally as QD, closed citing 'rising operational costs and other challenges' last year. A spokesman told The Bucks Herald at the time: "We've had to make this difficult decision. We truly appreciate our customers’ support and loyalty, and we hope to continue serving you through our other locations and online.” The unit, still emblazoned with the QD signage, remains empty nearly one year on. Photo: Iconic Media
14. Duran’s, Railway Street
Signage for Duran’s on Railway Street remains above the empty unit but the hairdressing salon has long since moved to Bourbon St in the town. One of a row of empty units on Railway Street along with QD. Photo: Iconic Media
15. Classic Dry Cleaners and Ironing, Railway Street
Classic Dry Cleaners and Ironing on Railway Street sits empty with the signage still displaying. Photo: Iconic Media
16. Sukie’s Sewing, Railway Street
Premises formerly home to Sukie’s Sewing completes a set of empty units on Railway Street in Aylesbury. Photo: Iconic Media