Nearly 650 shops and restaurants, run by a handful of major chains, have shut since the start of 2018 or are at risk of closure. Maplin and Toys R Us sites account for half that total, according to analysis by BBC 5 live's Wake Up to Money. Both chains fell into administration on the same day in February. The remaining Toys R Us stores will close on Tuesday, when the American chain finally disappears from the UK's retail parks and high streets. Administrators for Maplin are keeping its 217 shops open, but they are "under review" while a buyer is sought. The BBC's analysis shows that cities have borne the brunt of these retail insolvencies, but towns across the UK have also been affected. Many already have a high shop vacancy rate.Source