Simon Quin, chief executive of Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM), told delegates at this week’s NABMA conference of his vision for High Street Britain in the next decade. And, for those predicting a resurgence of the high street, it made less than happy listening.
A recent parliamentary report claimed convenience stores and grocers have little chance of survival by the year 2015. The outlook for petrol outlets (some of which have begun selling fruit) and independent retailers is similarly bleak.
“The rise of major multiples is a factor but there’s also been a change in demographics and the way we shop,” said Quin. “Retailers can’t assume or be complacent, they have to work to attract business.”
As high-street operators face mounting costs and growing competition, the impact on the existing retail sector will be significant, bringing about an increase in shop vacancies, Quin warned.
However, community-orientated, retail-led investment could help attract new business to the high street. “Some businesses could open later in the day and stay open for longer in the evening,” Quin suggested. “It’s that type of flexibility that’s needed.”
Cross-city and shared regional learning from the best experiences and practices could have positive results. “Having a shared vision, a comprehensive, inclusive strategy, a proactive approach and adequate resourcing involving wider partnerships, could lead to higher expectations,” Quin said. “We need to increase the sense of welcome into the city centre.”
