Retail’s image problem has been put firmly under the spotlight once again during the past few weeks.

First, former Co-op boss and new Fenwick chairman Richard Pennycook used the BRC Annual Lecture to highlight the “toxic” reputation the industry has developed among consumers.

And this week, allegations of Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley’s boozing sessions and fireplace vomiting further tainted an image already tarnished by claims of poor working conditions at the retailer’s Shirebrook warehouse and the use of zero-hours contracts.

In the wake of last year’s BHS scandal, it was the last thing retailers needed.

But while retail’s reputation takes a pounding, shopping centre developer and landlord Hammerson has released its True Value of Retail Report, assessing the positive impact its portfolio has on a socio-economic scale.

Retail Week takes a closer look at the key figures.

40,000

The number of full-time jobs created across Hammerson’s portfolio of shopping centres and retail parks this year, compared to 18,300 in 2013.

£800m

The combined wages paid out to staff working in Hammerson-owned shopping destinations, up from £420m in 2013.

82%

The percentage of retail jobs within Hammerson’s portfolio that are occupied by local residents.

£40m

The amount invested by retailers every year to train their staff.

£300m

The annual sum generated in taxes and National Insurance through employment within Hammerson’s shopping centres and retail parks.

£250m

The amount contributed to local authorities in business rates by the landlord’s portfolio of retail destinations.

Hammerson boss David Atkins said: “The retail landscape is evolving at a faster rate than ever before and this report demonstrates the continued important contribution that retail destinations can make, not only on a national scale but more importantly within the communities in which they are located.”

Revo (formerly the BCSC) chief executive Edward Cooke said: “This is a signifier of the multifaceted, positive value that retail brings to local communities up and down the country.

“Establishing the overall impact highlights the investment that retail places can attract and add to local economies as the jobs, inward investment and cost savings to the government show.

“Although retail is undergoing significant change, leadership from Hammerson and other retail property investors on delivering positive impact to people and place across the country demonstrates the power and potential of retail and leisure-led placemaking.”

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