If you think there has been a rise in the number of beauty businesses recently then you're not wrong.

Since 2010 the number of hairdressers, barbers and nail bars in Merton has risen from 75 to 130. That's an increase of 73 per cent.

Retail specialists say the trend is likely to continue as consumers seek to treat themselves to an experience rather than buy an item on the high street.

Over recent months many familiar high street names have disappeared. Toys "R" Us, Maplins and Poundworld have shut, while big brands such as House of Fraser, Mothercare and New Look are closing stores.

The report's author, former boss of Iceland and Wickes Bill Grimsey, explained: "Nail bars, hairdressers, even spas on the high street are experiential, so they are growing. They are taking on some of the commercial space that is vacant. It is growing at the moment, and with more and more opening across the country it is yet to reach a consolidation point."

The most recent records show that for Merton there were 10 more of these beauty businesses in 2017 compared to the previous year.