Wrexham and Flintshire high streets have experienced the loss and gain of several businesses throughout 2022. 

As costs for electricity, fuel and food rose over the past year many businesses closed for various reasons for the final time. 

The Centre for Retail Research found in 2022 more shops closed their doors than at any other point for at least five years.

Around 47 sites shut up shop for the last time every day last year in the UK, according to new analysis.

Several businesses across Wrexham and Flintshire put down whisks, closed the tills or pulled down the shutters for one last time last year. 

Beloved cake shop, Emz Cakes, announced the stores closure in December after over a decade of business.

Owner Emma Wilson said: "I will never find a job I love as much and it is a a difficult decision but for me it is time to move on."

Similarly the owner of the 50-year-old Connah's Quay Fruit and Vegetable store Whiltons described the decision to close as "heart-breaking".

READ MORE: Connahs Quay Fruit and Veg shop to close its doors after 50 years!

Rosemary Whilton announced she would be closing the store after the new year due to ill health in the family. 

Other businesses which closed throughout 2022 include; Hugh Jones Butchers (Wrexham), Daddios (Wrexham), Hare and Hounds (Connahs Quay) and Waltons Jewellers (Wrexham). 

In spite of this, across Wrexham and Flintshire The Leader reported over 17 new businesses that opened across high streets. 

Here are some of those that opened in 2022 or are planned to open in 2023.

Sweet Life - Wrexham May 22. Sweet treat shop.

Jones Family Funeral Directors. Wrexham August 22. Funeral directors. 

Bloomin Baked. Deeside September 22. Sweet treat shop. 

Craft Shack. Mold September 22. Gifts and clothing.

High Street Feeder. Wrexham June 22. Food and Drink venue.

Hungry Cow. Mold (tbc 23). Burger restaurant. 

Smyths. Wrexham October 22. Toy Store.

Andrew Farrow, Flintshire’s chief officer for planning, environment and economy, said: “The last few years have been a period of unprecedented challenge for businesses across the UK and it is expected that this will continue into 2023.

“Notwithstanding these challenges, businesses have shown themselves to be remarkably resilient and there have been very few redundancy announcements. Many town centres have seen very high levels of new business investment. Unemployment remains at a very low level."

Echoeing this point, Councillor Nigel Williams, lead member for economy for Wrexham Council, said: “The covid pandemic meant that we started 2022 with tricky trading conditions as there were still restrictions in place.

“As an organisation we have continued to support and assist businesses where we can. “This has included specific grants to assist with trading during the COVID period, grants and loan support for building refurbishment or repurposing, business advice through the Council’s Business Support Team and Destination Management function."