New high street trend report

The Ordnance Survey has released an analysis of changes in high streets since 2020 across the UK.  The study highlights fluctuations in the number of establishments by retail category, with tattoo studios, takeaway restaurants, salons, cafes, and pubs seeing the greatest increase since the pandemic. 

You can check your postcode and see how your local high street has been affected here.

Fashion retail, nightclubs and department stores were the hardest hit, however, and contributed to the 9,300 outlets being forced to close due to the effects of the pandemic and the increase in online consumer shopping habits.

Whilst these figures will not come as a surprise to many, Bira Chief Executive Andrew Goodacre has made the following statement on the recent findings:

‘This report is interesting and confirms trends we have noticed over the past few years. There has been a growth in 'service retailing' and a decline in the traditional 'comparison goods retailer', and the pandemic seems to have emphasised this change.

The closure of large chains, and now banks, is well documented. We have seen many traditional indie retailers change their offer by including services - repairs, product hire and inclusion of cafes in the shop. We expect these changes to continue but we must remember that every vibrant high street needs diversity and should not be dominated by any particular sector.

A good high street is a series of interdependent businesses working together to create a great place to visit, and independent retail is absolutely integral to that future vision.’

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