The British love affair with mobiles has led to a substantial increase in the number of mobile phone retail stores over the past 12 months, with the number rising from 3,847 to 4,329, an increase in number of shops of 12.5 per cent.

The figures come from a report prepared by The Local Data Company for the British Property Federation. The report identifies Carphone Warehouse as the dominant high street retailer, with 812 stores nationally at the beginning of April 2010, a slight increase over 2009. But Orange is growing fast, having expanded its retail units by 37.5 per cent, from 306 to 407 units at the start of April 2010.

The increase in numbers has been modest in London and the Midlands, but well above average in Scotland (17 per cent) the North West (20 per cent), the East of England (19 per cent) and Wales (51 per cent). Central London boasts 216 stores, while Leeds has 43, Glasgow 49, Bristol 44, and Manchester 67. Unlike other retail sectors, however, independents struggle for market share, and only one in five shops nationally is not owned by a major chain.

“Independents often suffer most from the intense web-based competition and we estimate that many operate brand franchises rather than set up under their own name,” says The Local Data Company director, Matthew Hopkinson. But there is also an extent to which independents and multiples offer different products. Chains dominate with contract phones and independents thrive off pay as you go phones and other services, like unlocking and repairs.”