A UK wide survey* into what people want from their local high street comes up with some interesting suggestions.
Rye has most of the things on the survey’s top 20 list, including the many independent retailers the town is famous for, but what do you think?
The top 20 things Brits would like to see on their 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%
The top 10 things people would like to see MORE of on their high street
Independent coffee shops (57%)
Specialist food shops (bakers, butchers, delis) (56%)
Independent restaurants and bars (50%)
Bookshops (41%)
Artisan bakeries or patisseries (40%)
Farmers’ markets or food markets (39%)
Greener spaces such as trees, planters or pocket parks (39%)
Independent fashion boutiques (37%)
More independent specialist retailers (e.g. toy shops, hobby stores) (36%)
Outdoor seating areas for cafés and restaurants (35%)
The top 10 things people want to see LESS of on their high street
Vape shops (68%)
Empty/boarded-up shop units (66%)
Gambling arcades (52%)
Bookies (45%)
Payday loan shops/cash converters (41%)
Tanning salons (36%)
Phone repair and accessory shops (31%)
Fast food takeaways (26%)
Charity shops (23%)
Chain coffee shops (19%)
*Survey based on insights from 650 retailers and 2,000+ consumers in the Voices of Retail report created in partnership with Faire. Interviews conducted earlier this year.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .