BUSINESSES in Oxford City Centre have lost over 41 weeks worth of sales over the pandemic, a new study has revealed. 

A report by Centre For Cities has revealed that Covid-19 has ‘levelled down’ prosperous high streets with more than 2,400 city and town centre units have become vacant so far during the pandemic.

Oxford hard the largest increase in vacant shopping units in the whole of the UK, rising by 8.4 per cent as sales fell.

The city was also was ranked the seventh-worst affected area in the UK, in terms of losing the most potential sales.

The city centre lost in total 41 weeks worth of sales.

Covid-19 has cost businesses in the city and large town centres more than a third (35 percent) of their potential takings and shut down thousands since March 2020. 

The report explained that economically stronger cities, such as Oxford, have borne the economic brunt of the pandemic, however, their higher levels of affluence meant that when restrictions ease and office working begins they will likely recover faster.

Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities, said: “While the pandemic has been a tough time for all high streets it has levelled down our more prosperous cities and towns. 

"Despite this, the strength of their wider local economies means they are well placed to recover quickly from the past two years.”