An epidemic of empty shops amidst a pandemic..

JLL's latest retail market snapshot, shows the CBDs of both Auckland and Wellington are seeing increasing vacancy rates.

It's above six per cent in Auckland and above seven in the capital.

Christchurch is bucking the trend -- and is seeing decreasing rates.

Retail NZ chief executive Greg Harford says no type of shop is immune to reduced visitor numbers and people working from home.

He says the impacts are across the board and based on location -- rather than what you sell.