Shoppers Want to See More Independents on British High Street

The New Retail Reality report, which surveyed 2,000 UK consumers, highlighted how important the British high street is to shoppers, with 63 per cent preferring to purchase valuable items in-store rather than shop online.

When questioned on what type of outlet they would prefer to see open on high streets, 44 per cent of consumers said independent specialist retailers and 36 per cent said independent restaurants and cafes.

When it comes to improving shoppers’ experiences, consumers note that they would like to experience more modern technology in shops, with 65 per cent stating they would be keen on touchscreen options. New payment technologies also proved popular, with 48 per cent preferring a contactless payment method when shopping.

Ian Gilmartin, head of retail and wholesale at Barclays said, “The British high street is part of what has made the UK great. Being a ‘nation of shopkeepers’ is ingrained in our cultural identity and consumer pride in the sector endures. Our research reveals that the public still see the high street as an essential part of the shopping experience and as a national treasure they want to see protected.

“Consumer confidence in the retail sector is continuing despite uncertainty caused by the Brexit vote, and there are opportunities ahead for retailers if they can maximise the opportunity of ‘Brand Britain’, both at home and abroad.

“The conclusion from our research is that the key to success for many retailers is to offer a balanced high street and online offering, taking advantage of technological innovation in-store to attract shoppers through their doors.”