Forecast changeable for retail property portfolios by Mark Newbold

Retail Week reports on whether the decision by HMV to downsize its property portfolio by 60 stores signals a more widespread move by retailers to reduce their commitments to bricks and mortar.

Although some retailers are clearly feeling the pinch and consolidating, and some of the secondary shopping centres and smaller high streets are suffering higher vacancy rates, it is not all doom and gloom.

There is optimism in the market in some quarters with some retailers and landlords remaining optimistic about continued growth for traditional retail.