Here’s what British shoppers want on their ideal high street and it involves free parking, local bakeries and independent coffee shops ranked above chain stores
Bread, coffee and a place to park the car are the staples of the ‘perfect high street’ for Brits. A fresh study has revealed a comprehensive list of what we crave from our neighbourhood.
A bakery (70%), free parking (69%) and an independent coffee shop (59%) leading the public ballot.
Researchers asked Brits to envision their ideal high street and found we’re also eager for a bank (58%), a cash point (57%), independent restaurants (57%) and a butcher (55%).
Meanwhile, a supermarket (52%), a chemist (50%) and cafés (48%) rounded off the top ten wishlist – though we’re also partial to certain chains like Greggs (41%), M&S (40%) and Boots (39%).
However, things we’d prefer to see fewer of include vape shops (68%), boarded up units (66%), gambling arcades (52%) and bookmakers (45%). We’re even eager to eliminate tanning salons (36%) and chain coffee shops (19%).
The findings emerge from Voices of Retail, a groundbreaking new study by Faire and Spring & Autumn Fair, two of the biggest voices in retail.
They polled 2,040 UK shoppers alongside 650 UK retailers, marking the first time both sides of the retail landscape have been examined together, providing a clearer snapshot of what’s unfolding on Britain’s high streets.
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 despit Despite this, consumers are still opting to back their local high streets, particularly independent businesses.”
Contrary to ongoing reports of its demise, half (50%) of Brits maintain that their local high street remains a crucial part of their community.
The survey reveals that we spend an average of £66 a month on our local high street, with nearly all respondents (95%) indicating they would spend more if there was a better variety of shops.
Paul Grout, 65, owner of MEAT N16, a butcher who set up his shop in Stoke Newington 15 years ago, said: “It’s about being able to offer a quality service that you just don’t get from large corporations. You gain professional knowledge and build relationships with your customers. Free parking is certainly a major draw, and when Mr and Mrs Jones can’t simply drive up the street to collect their Sunday roast, it deters them from supporting small businesses.”
Over two thirds of those surveyed (69%) stated that free short-stay parking is vital, with shoppers desiring an average of 88 minutes free. Retailers concur, with 38% identifying parking as a key factor for driving growth.
Interestingly, nine out of ten shoppers (92%) said the rise of AI makes them more inclined to view products in person, with over four in five (85%) expressing a preference for genuine interaction over self-checkouts or AI assistants.
Imogen Corker, 28, who works in hospitality, believes that UK high streets should provide more support to businesses, similar to what she has experienced in her native Australia.
She said: “Back home people are embarrassed to walk around with a Pret coffee, they don’t want to be seen to be supporting big corporate companies. If the attitude towards corporate companies changed in the UK to the same then there would be even more independent businesses. Independent businesses need to be given more grants, more tax breaks to be able to help them get off their feet in the first few years of being open.”
Stephen Hopkinson, 74 and his wife, Clare Hopkinson, 77, revealed they visit their local high street most days but don’t always purchase something.
He explained: “It can be expensive to come out every day when we are walking Mo (their dog) and to buy things off the high street, but we have a bit more expendable income than what we did a long time ago because Clare is retired and I am heading that way too.
“Everyone should be trying to support their local shops where they can, without local customers, they won’t stay open.”
The report discovered that seven in ten (71%) independent retailers are reporting stable or growing trade, with nearly two in five (39%) actively expanding despite ongoing economic pressures.
The research revealed that retailers investing in brand, storytelling and community are significantly more likely to be growing (19%), while those focused on discounting and competing purely on price are more likely to struggle (11%).
Taner Kose, 32, grew up in Stoke Newington and his family have operated the Sapid Coffee shop for the last five years. He said: ” Family-run businesses are dwindling, but I believe it’s the best approach.
“You trust your partners and who you are working with, and with independent businesses, there is a stronger sense of community.
“I know I can pop over and borrow lids or cups or milk from one of the other shops if I run short. I couldn’t do that with Gails or Starbucks.”
Christiana Charalambous, 36, has worked in three different shops on Church Street in Stoke Newington over the past ten years, and now works at PREP, cook, shop.
She said: “It’s all about human connection for me, that’s why I think people keep returning to businesses.
“I think you would like to envision yourself running a business like the one you work in one day and it is aspirational.
“I think that’s why independent businesses are thriving. It is far superior than the dystopian Amazon style stores that lack any form of human interaction.”
Keith Hunt, owner of Minehead eco shop, Our Precious Earth, said: “There’s a lot happening in the world – uncertainty around last year’s budget destabilised trade a bit, plus the situation in the Middle East is affecting fuel prices. But we’re growing and I’m confident we’ll continue to.”
Top 20 things Brits would like to see on 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%)