Britain’s perfect high street revealed – free parking, bakery, coffee shop | UK | News
UK shoppers and retailers were asked what they’d like to see more and less of on the high street (Image: Getty)
A new report has revealed how a dreamy British high street was created, including a bakery, free parking and an independent café. The researchers also found that Brits want banks, cash machines, independent restaurants and butchers in their area. The most wanted list included a supermarket, pharmacies and cafes, as well as premium chains such as Greggs, Marks & Spencer and Boots.
The high street may be going through a tough time, with retailers including Claire’s, Poundland, WH Smith and New Look closing branches last year, but there may be hope yet with Keir Starmer committing £319 million to a rejuvenation fund through his ‘Pride in Place’ scheme. The Voice of Retail report, carried out by retail heavyweights Spring and Autumn Fair, also identified things Brits don’t want on their high streets, including vape shops, closed units, casinos and bookies.
Independent restaurants were a staple on the high street as survey respondents noted (Image: Getty)
Voice of Retail surveyed 2,040 UK shoppers across 650 UK retailers; This is the first time a survey has measured both parties together to give a clearer picture of what’s happening on Britain’s high streets.
Despite persistent reports of the decline, 50% of Brits said their local high street remains an important part of their community, with their average monthly spend being £66 and 95% saying they would spend more if they were offered a better mix of stores.
More than two-thirds of survey respondents said free short-term parking was also essential, while 38% of retailers similarly identified parking as an important tool to unlock growth.
Paul Grout, 65, owner of MEAT N16, an independent butcher in Stoke Newington, said: “Free parking is definitely a big factor and when Mr and Mrs Jones can’t go out on the street and get their Sunday roast it stops them coming to small businesses.”
Tanner Köse, 32, whose family has run the Sapid Coffee store in north London for five years, said independent businesses created a stronger sense of community wherever they were in the country.
Tanner Köse helps run his family’s independent coffee shop in London (Image: Jeremy Selwyn)
“If I run out, I know I can borrow lids, glasses or milk from one of the other shops,” he said. “I couldn’t do this with Gails or Starbucks.”
The report also found that despite the challenging retail environment, seven in 10 independent retailers report stable or growing business, and almost two fifths of those investing specifically in brand, storytelling and community are actively expanding.
Christiana Charalambous, 36, who works in preparation, cooking and merchandising, attributed the positive trend to demand for “human connection” amid a rise in impersonal customer services such as self-checkout.
Faire UK Managing Director Charlotte Broadbent said: “For most people the local high street is still the center of their community and what surprised us most was how strong demand remained.
“Over the last 20 years, retailers have faced constant challenges, from the rise of online shopping to the shift of investment to out-of-town retail parks. But despite this, shoppers still choose to support their high street, especially independent businesses.”
Christiana Charalambous attributes the popularity of independent shops to the desire to connect (Image: Jeremy Selwyn)
The top 20 things Brits want to see on their dream high street
3. Independent cafes – 59%
6. Independent restaurants – 57%
11. Independent bars – 45%
13. Interesting Souvenir Shops – 43%
14. Takeaway Store – 41%
16. Independent Bookstore – 41%
20. Longer Opening Hours – 36%
Top 10 things people want to see less of on the high street
2. Empty/closed store units (66%)
3. Gambling halls (52%)
5. Payday loan stores/cash converters (41%)
7. Phone repair and accessory stores (31%)
8. Fast food takeaways (26%)
10. Chain coffee shops (19%)
