February 6th, 2009

The recent economic turbulence will create a new and more localised high street……

According to Experian one in seven high street shops could be empty by the end of the year. Thus, as the supply of retail space increases, rent rates will come down but……these spaces won’t be populated by your usual household retail brands.

With more of us buying homogenous products (that don’t require a specific personal buying experience) online during the recession, remember Amazon’s sales rose 9% in the last quarter of 08 and are expected to grow in the first quarter of 09. How many of us will go back to a high street retailer to buy these homogenous products?

The potential for a high street retail decline, leaves the door wide open for a high street recovery led by local providers who can push products and services that demand that personal touch….

This years high street may have less phone shops and electronic retailers but more specialist food suppliers, boutique fashion stores and even the return of your local butcher….

David Killick