By Dr Sarah Montano, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham
In 20 years’ time, as a society, do we want to look back and wish that we had saved our high streets and not missed our window of opportunity? During the pandemic, one of the key changes in the retail sector was that consumers went back to shopping locally due to travel restrictions and, in doing so, rediscovered their local shopping areas.
Recent sales and footfall data shows that consumers are enjoying shopping in physical stores as online spending has fallen, especially when compared to 2020-2021. Many consumers are also seeking a sustainable way to shop at local independent retailers, second hand stores and charity shops.
We take a broad interpretation of ‘local’ to reflect diversity of cities and locations – local may mean your high street, main street, city centre or indeed the local parade of shops on your urbanisation. Birmingham itself has a thriving independent retail sector and there is even a campaign called Independents Day UK (in July) that aims to support and promote independent retail.
Thinking collectively and working together
How do we ensure continued success for our high streets? In order for our local shopping areas to survive we are going to need to think collectively and work together as consumers, retailers, local councils and national governments – it may also mean different solutions for different areas.
Some ideas that we can consider are firstly, empty shops do not look welcoming in any area – so what could we have instead? Discounts and support for start-ups would attract innovators and entrepreneurs to the local area. The vast majority of our biggest brands started small many years ago, but where is the next M&S, Tesco or Superdry? Support for small businesses would attract new consumers and make empty spaces look vibrant.
Secondly, it is not just about retail. Local areas are about communities and allowing people to meet up and socialise – a mix of services, cafes and community spaces to allow people to gather. We often talk about Third Places or places where people can gather and hang out and become and home-away-from-home – where there may be a retail element, eating/drinking options and expand this to include community spaces such as exhibitions by local artists etc. By creating an experience – consumers are more likely to visit the venue.
Being ‘Instagramable’ is key
Thirdly, how to attract young consumers? Newport has tried to bring in younger consumers by offering a mixed-use space and Europe’s biggest indoor market regeneration with a mix of street food, independent retail and workspaces. Being ‘Instagramable’ is a key trend right now and ensuring that the local retail and service offerings are thinking about social media opportunities then consumers will be keen to try and share on social media. We should be mindful, amid the cost-of-living crisis, of how people can still visit the local area but that venues are not expensive. Again, we return to the theme of mixed-use spaces – for example, allowing local community groups to take over spaces.
Lastly, as consumers work more from home, national retailers that would usually be in city centres are considering opening outlets in local areas. For example, John Lewis is considering opening “shops-in-shops” or mini John Lewis’ in Waitrose. Well-known brand names will attract consumers to a local area and offer a convenient shopping experience.
In years to come, many of us will fondly remember the high streets of decades past with their vibrant supportive communities, and in times of crisis we need our communities. We owe it to ourselves as consumers, our communities, society and our future to fall back in love and stay in love with our local high street.
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