The latest city centre retail Monitor Survey, carried out during September and October 2026, highlights continued confidence in Norwich as a place to shop and visit.
The findings reflect the strength of Norwich's unique blend of independent traders, national retailers, hospitality businesses and cultural attractions, with footfall also continuing to rise.
The percentage of occupied retail units across the city centre now stands at 90.2%, with vacancy rates falling from 15.2% in September 2025 to 9.8% in September 2026.
This marks the first time in at least 18 years that more than nine in ten city centre retail units have been occupied.
The amount of vacant retail floorspace has also fallen, decreasing from 11.8% to 10.4% over the past year.
While the redevelopment of Anglia Square has influenced the overall figures with the demolition of vacant units, improvements have been recorded across all retail areas.
Within the Primary Retail Area, which includes Chantry Place, Castle Quarter and Gentleman's Walk, the percentage of vacant retail units has fallen from 10.5% to 8.8%. Vacant available retail floorspace has fallen from 13.4% to 11.7%.
Norwich's Secondary Retail Area, home to many of the city's renowned independent businesses, has continued to perform strongly. The percentage of vacant units has fallen from 13.5% to 9.5%. Vacancy rates for retail floorspace have reduced from 9.2% to 8.6%.
The figures come as Norwich continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the UK's most attractive city centres, combining a strong retail offer with a thriving mix of independent businesses, national brands, restaurants, cultural attractions, heritage assets and year-round events.
Recent investments, including the Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn project, improvements to Hay Hill and the refurbishment of The Halls, have enhanced the visitor experience and contributed to Norwich's appeal as a destination where people want to spend time.
Norwich has also been recognised in national media as desirable destination, including being named as the best place to live in the UK in the 2026 Sunday Times guide.
Alongside a strengthening retail sector, the city centre continues to diversify, with growth in food and drink, leisure, cultural and service-based businesses helping to create a broader offer throughout the day and evening.
Developments such as Castle Quarter's evolution as a leisure destination are helping Norwich adapt to changing consumer habits while maintaining a vibrant city centre.
Norwich also boasts one of the largest retail catchments in the country relative to its population size, helping attract shoppers, visitors and investment from across Norfolk and beyond.
Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of Norwich Business Improvement District (BID), said:
"It's encouraging to see these figures reflecting the continued strength and resilience of Norwich city centre. Our mix of independent businesses, leading brands, food and drink, culture and heritage makes Norwich a distinctive place to visit, and that wider experience matters to the success of our retail sector. Through the collective efforts of businesses, the BID, the Council and our wider partners, we're continuing to champion Norwich as a place where people want to spend time, and where businesses can see opportunities to thrive."
Councillor Ian Stutely, Norwich City Council cabinet member for planning and regulatory, said:
"These figures are a real vote of confidence in Norwich as a shopping destination and a place for investment. The forthcoming LEGO store is an exciting endorsement of our city, alongside the independent shops that give Norwich so much of its distinctive character.
"Our combination of retail, food, culture and heritage gives people compelling reasons to visit Norwich, stay longer and return. It is encouraging to see more shops occupied across the city centre, with opportunities for established brands and our independent businesses to thrive.'
The figures reflect a range of factors, including Norwich's resilient local economy, continued investment in the city centre, strong levels of visitor activity and close collaboration between Norwich City Council, Norwich BID, businesses and partner organisations.
The improvement is also being supported by growing confidence among retailers, with national brands continuing to invest in the city. Recent arrivals including Swarovski, Rivolo Lounge and MenKind, alongside the forthcoming opening of a LEGO store, demonstrate continued confidence in Norwich as a retail destination.
