We also want to see fewer tanning salons and coffee chains
A landmark new report has revealed what people want from their High Street, as towns and cities across the country struggle to attract shoppers. The study shows what people want to see in a vibrant town – with a bakery, free parking and independent coffee shops topping the list.
Other venues on the wish list include a bank, a cash point, independent restaurants and a butcher asd well as a supermarket, a chemist and cafes. We are also on chains like Greggs, M&S and Boots.
When asked what they want less of, people replied vape shops, boarded up units, gambling arcades and bookmakers as well as tanning salons and chain coffee shops. The data comes from Voices of Retail, a new report by Faire and Spring & Autumn Fair.
They surveyed 2,040 UK shoppers alongside 650 UK retailers. Charlotte Broadbent, UK General Manager at Faire, said: “For most people, their local high street is still the heart of their community, and what surprised us most is just how strong that demand remains.
“Over the last 20 years, retailers have faced constant challenges, from the rise of online shopping to investment shifting towards out-of-town retail parks. But despite that, shoppers are still choosing to support their high street, particularly independent businesses.”
Half od people say their local high street is still an important part of their community. According to the poll, we spend an average of £66 a month on our local high street with nearly all saying they would spend more if it offered a better mix of shops.
Seven in ten independent retailers are reporting stable or growing trade, with nearly two in five actively expanding despite ongoing economic pressures. Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director, Hyve Group, added: “There’s no denying the pressure the high street has been under, rising costs, changing habits and years of disruption have taken their toll. But what this data shows is that the story isn’t one of lost demand, it’s one of missed opportunity.”
The top 20 things Brits would like to see on their dream high street
- 1. Bakers – 70%
- 2. Free parking – 69%
- 3. Independent coffee shops – 59%
- 4. A bank – 58%
- 5. A cash point – 57%
- 6. Independent restaurants – 57%
- 7. Butchers – 55%
- 8. A supermarket – 52%
- 9. Chemist – 50%
- 10. Cafés – 48%
- 11. Independent bars – 45%
- 12. Hairdressers – 45%
- 13. Quirky Gift Shops – 43%
- 14. Takeaway Shop – 41%
- 15. Greggs – 41%
- 16. Independent Book Shop – 41%
- 17. Barbers – 40%
- 18. M&S – 40%
- 19. Boots – 39%
- 20. Longer Opening Hours – 36%
Top 10 things people want to see less of on their high streets
- 1. Vape shops (68%)
- 2. Empty / boarded-up shop units (66%)
- 3. Gambling arcades (52%)
- 4. Bookies (45%)
- 5. Payday loan shops / cash converters (41%)
- 6. Tanning salons (36%)
- 7. Phone repair and accessory shops (31%)
- 8. Fast food takeaways (26%)
- 9. Charity shops (23%)
- 10. Chain coffee shops (19%)
