A retail expert has backed the city's independent shops to thrive despite recent high-profile closures.
Joshua Bamfield, director of the Golden Triangle-based Centre for Retail Research (CRR), says he believes independent shops will outlast big chains on Norwich's streets.
It comes after Frank's Bar and the York Tavern closed last week blaming the rising cost of energy, stock and business rates.
Ella Williams, co-owner of Frank's Bar, said the cost of living crisis had "finished us off", while Andrew McNeil, landlord of the York, said his pub closed due to "ongoing financial pressures".
But Prof Bamfield says the future is still bright for independent businesses in Norwich as they were the main reason people visit the city.
He said: "These closures are tragic, it's a warning isn't it?
"Most of them survived the pandemic but it's now an inflation problem. Energy has gone up 300pc since January 2022.
"Of course these businesses have to be replaced, and that raises the question of what will the city look like in 10 years' time?
"I think the answer is: probably much the same as it does now.
"People like the lanes and while road closures and things like that don't help, compared to other cities Norwich does well with independents.
"Its retail market is award-winning, this is what the people want when they come to Norwich."
Prof Bamfield said he felt more chains moving online and downscaling would leave vacant units which would only appeal to new independents.
READ MORE: Rising costs threaten Norwich's indie community
He added: "Some will move online, some will be sold and downscale, and the only ones left who will take up these shops are indies.
"Many of those larger spaces taken up by chains will go from retail to a cafe, restaurant or a deli."
Another thing which Prof Bamfield says bodes well for indies is a resurgence in popularity for street shopping post-pandemic as online sales fell in 2022.
He said: "I'm not normally optimistic but I think the future is still bright in Norwich.
"But this should be a cry to those who run the city to back these businesses."
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