More shops closing than opening in Black Country and Staffordshire
More shops closed down than opened in the town centres of the Black Country and Staffordshire last year.
In total, there were 371 new store openings and 524 closures as retailers responded to the rise of online sales and changing shopping patterns.
The net loss of 153 shops was up on 2013 when it was 76.
The research from the Local Data Company for accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers found that Wolverhampton saw 35 closures and 14 openings, while Walsall had 21 shops shut compared to 12 new ones opening. In Dudley, there were 11 loses and two gains.
Rob Hunt, restructuring partner at PwC in the West Midlands, said: "This year's numbers expose the harsh impact of 'macro' changes on the high street, especially in certain sub-sectors.
"Increasing regulation for money shops, the advance of technology for some phone operators and the continued shift to the internet in the clothing sector.
"Despite the benign economy, the net loss of shops has accelerated. The insolvencies of Phones4U, Albemarle & Bond, and La Senza, a diverse cross-section of the retail market, epitomise these factors.
"Despite the continuing problem of closures, new sub-sectors, such as discount shops and charity shops keep growing. The strength of the restaurant and fast-food sectors is also a boost for the high street."
However, in Bloxwich, there was good news, with no shop closures and one new opening.
Cannock, meanwhile, had 11 stores shut down and seven open, while Halesowen had 12 closures and two openings.
In Kidderminster, 14 closed and eight opened, in Lichfield 10 closed and nine opened and in Stafford 14 closed and eight opened. Stourbridge had five closures cancelled out by five openings.
Birmingham city centre lost 87 and gained 75.
The analysis also highlights the changing profile of town centres across the West Midlands, with mobile phones shops (a net loss of 44), former bank branches, money services shops, fashion shops and estate agents (a net loss of 11) all most likely to be pulling down their shutters in 2014.
Charity shops (a net increase of 11), e-cigarettes outlets, jewellers, shoe shops, financial advisors, coffee shops and discount stores were among those opening the most branches during 2014.
