To Let
and For Sale signs are commonplace these days on British high streets. There are many things to blame: the convenience of out of town shopping malls
prising shoppers away from the high street, the rise of online shopping and
with the rise in VAT to 20%, increased business rates and a struggle to raise
funds via bank lending, more and more independent retail stores are closing
their high street outlets.
In
saying that, recent figures show that the number of small
independent shops in Britain grew significantly last year (there were still a
huge amount of closures but more opened than closed), whereas the number of
multiples outlets fell.
As
co-owner of an independent online gift shop I am obviously an advocate of
online shopping. With our lives busier
than ever, it makes it easier for people to shop from the comfort of their home
when time is at a premium. On the other
hand it saddens me to see my local town centre (Paisley) such a sorry sight and
feel strongly about supporting local independent retailers. Online shopping shouldn't be at the detriment of local high streets.
Our
local council have talked about encouraging outlet stores to Paisley to
differentiate from nearby out of town malls. We already have a couple
including M&S, however, I think it would be fantastic to see the high street
buzzing with a cluster of smaller independent
shops offering products that little bit different. This would definitely encourage shoppers back
to Paisley High Street!
A
couple of my favourite places with a selection of lovely indie shops are the
West End of Glasgow around the Byres Road area and the Scottish coastal town of
Troon. They are buzzing with shoppers,
there is a lovely atmosphere and you are sure to find some hidden treasures,
whether it’s a gift from one of the many gift shops such as Ae Fond Kiss, or a
classic wooden toy from Sentry Box. It would be great if this could be replicated
in high streets all over the UK.
Mary
Portas, the well know ‘Queen of Shops’ offered her opinion on how to save our
high street. She fears that with online
shopping the British high street might disappear. She believes that the high street has to
reinvent itself so it becomes more a place to meet and socialise than to
actually buy things.
So
what can we do to help? We should use indie stores
whenever we can to put money back into the local community.
This
Christmas why not try to source as many gifts as possible from local
independent retail & independent online stores or encourage local retailers to get involved
in the new 'Celebrate an Independent Christmas' campaign which is launching
this year. Consumers will be encouraged
to divert a proportion of their Christmas spending on gifts, food, partying or
pampering from local independent stores and establishments
“The message to consumers will
be that buying from an Independent guarantees them a more unique experience.
We'll highlight that if they are looking for a bit of indulgence at this
celebratory time of year, wanting to find unusual gifts, unique outfits,
delicious treats, and enjoy special occasions, they should explore their local
independents”
So go on, we can all make a
difference! Give Indie Retail a chance!
Nicola
x
Carrick Mill, Alloway Street, Ayr (Golf wear, Knitwear & Textiles)
Ae Fond Kiss, Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow (Gifts)
Sentry Box, Great George Street, Glasgow (Toys)
The Store, Anniesland Glasgow (Home Interiors)
Pinnochio Footwear, Silk Street, Paisley (Children’s Shoes)
