How Can Cities Reduce the Problem of Empty Shops? Many town centres contain an increasing number of empty shops. This is more than a visual problem. Long-term vacancies reduce foot traffic, weaken nearby businesses, and can make an area feel neglected. Online shopping is one cause, but high rents and buildings designed for outdated retail models also play a role. One response is to offer temporary tax reductions to landlords who accept lower rents from small businesses. This could help independent shops test a location without taking an unsustainable financial risk. However, tax incentives alone may simply delay closure if there is not enough customer demand. A second approach is to allow empty retail units to be used more flexibly for workshops, community services, exhibitions, or shared offices. This does not depend on recreating the shopping habits of the past. It can bring people back into the centre for different reasons and create demand for cafés and remaining shops nearby. The main challenge is regulation, since changing a building’s permitted use can be slow. Cities should therefore combine short-term rent incentives with simpler rules for temporary alternative uses. The goal should not be to fill every empty shop with another shop, but to keep town centres active and useful as behaviour changes.