The South East market is showing strong signs of more national – as well as independent - retailers coming back to the market, according to SHW’s Q3 2025 Retail Focus.

Richard Pyne, Partner and Head of Retail Agency at SHW, says: “Although the high street is still challenging, we are seeing more activity amongst national and independent retailers. Despite this increase in demand, there remains a relatively high vacancy rate across the South East and rents have remained broadly static.”

The continued high cost of living and the increase in both employers’ National Insurance costs and the minimum wage, along with the lack of any permanent rates relief for retailers and F&B operators, continue to be the sector’s main challenges. These economic challenges and uncertainty have led to more High Street retailers failing or rescuing their portfolios.

Richard adds: “Despite the ‘bad news’ stories, good news continues to emerge with new and old names taking up the vacant stock. Across SHW’s core regions we have seen good levels of activity to date this year.”

In Mid Sussex there are encouraging signs of improvement on the high street and rental levels look to be stabilising. New occupiers this year include Sostrene Green & Brook Tavener in Horsham, Pure Gym and Truffles Bakery in Haywards Heath and Tapi Carpets and Coffee #1 in East Grinstead.

“In Croydon, there has been an increased demand for North End and George Street following the news that the Whitgift Centre are to open new stores in the former Allders building, with revised a revised planning application for the redevelopment of the centre currently being worked up,” says Richard. The town centre has also recorded an uplift in demand from Health & Wellness Centres and leisure use, with St Michael’s Square Tower A, close to West Croydon Station, under offer for leisure use and 5 AMP House recently let to BFT Fitness Studio.

On the Sussex Coast, Brighton remains resilient and the purchase of Churchill Square by the Ingka Group has brought renewed excitement for the opening of an IKEA in the former Debenhams and the inevitable move around of occupiers, both within the centre and on the surrounding retail streets.

Recent letting in Brighton include: 12a-13 Bond Street, let to Mountain Warehouse; 6-8 Meeting House Land to Chilli Pickle, and; 60 Ship Street let to Taro, a small Japanese restaurant chain making its first move outside of London.

Richard adds: “Similarly, Worthing has seen a strong six months with a number of new openings. The restructuring of Poundland has released further prime opportunities and we wait to see what format the opportunity takes, but there are good requirements for Worthing that would fill the space should they vacate.”

The Eastbourne market also remains resilient supported by its strong tourist appeal and growing business community. Rents are stable and low vacancy persists. Retail units in Sovereign Harbour offer competitive pricing (£9–£60 per sq ft). and demand is buoyed by tourism, commuter access to London, and affordable options compared to larger cities.

In Hastings, the commercial market is smaller and more community-oriented. Retail units in the town centre are letting at around £16,000 to £25,000 per annum.

Richard concludes: “Overall, Eastbourne’s commercial market is larger, more diverse, and tightly occupied, benefitting from strong demand and low availability, while Hastings offers opportunities primarily for smaller retail and industrial ventures, with greater council involvement and room for growth.”

For more information and a copy of SHW’s Q3 2025 Retail Focus, please contact the SHW team.