New ‘Voices of Retail Report’ highlights what’s needed to drive growth on UK high streets

A new report put together by Spring & Autumn Fair, along with Faire, the online wholesale platform for independents, is presenting retailers with “a clear, data-backed blueprint for growth”.

The ‘Voices of Retail Report’ combines insights from 650 UK retailers and over 2,000 consumers, revealing what separates growing retailers from those in decline - with success being driven by brand storytelling, in-store experience and community connection, not by price.

At a time when many high streets remain under pressure from rising costs and shifting consumer behaviour, the new report shows that while 71% of independents are stable or growing, those investing in brand, experience and customer connection are significantly outperforming their peers.

With 96% of consumers calling for more independent shops, and willing to spend up to £145 more per month on their local high street if the offer improves, “the opportunity for retailers to drive future success has never been clearer”.

Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director at Hyve Group, the owner and organiser of Spring & Autumn Fair, said: “What the Voices of Retail data shows is that the high street isn’t declining, it’s evolving. The retailers seeing growth are those giving customers a reason to visit, through experiences, events, and a more personal, story-led approach.

“There is also a clear divide. Retailers competing on price are more likely to be under pressure, while those investing in experience, quality, and connection are pulling ahead. Collaboration is increasingly playing a role, from joint events and shared marketing to cross-store referrals, helping retailers reach new audiences and build momentum. And in regions where this is happening at scale, we’re seeing stronger growth, highlighting the importance of local ecosystems.

“The opportunity is there, but it’s those adapting their offer and thinking beyond the transaction who are seeing the strongest results.”

Charlotte Broadbent, General Manager at Faire, added: “We set out on a mission to understand what’s really happening on Britain's high streets, to see if there’s more to the narrative than people think. And the reality is more encouraging. The British public doesn’t just want more independents on their high street. They want independent retailers to be their high street.

“Shoppers aren’t just looking for the cheapest option; they’re looking for people and places they believe in. Shopkeepers have an important role to play as our trusted experts, and there’s big spending power on the table for those who get it right.

“But retailers can’t do it alone. They’re already running their businesses and wearing many hats. The conditions around them need to catch up. With free parking, better local support, and a high street that’s genuinely easy to visit, the infrastructure can match the demand. It’s time we backed our independents and made the high street easily accessible.”

According to Broadbent, alongside free parking, retailers are calling for stronger local storytelling, more coordinated events, and improved support from councils and Business Improvement Districts, highlighting that high street performance is “shaped as much by place as by individual business strategy”.

Key findings from the Voices of Retail report include:

• 71% of independent retailers report stable or growing trade, of which 86% are reporting growth of 20%+.
• There’s a clear gap between current performance and future potential, with only 28% of retailers actively investing in growth.
• Retailers investing in brand storytelling are 19 percentage points more likely to grow.
• Improving in-store experience and local sourcing each deliver a 13-point uplift.
• 45% of declining retailers have pivoted towards lower-price products, highlighting the risks of competing on price.
• Over 80% of shoppers prefer independent retailers over chains, particularly in categories such as fashion, homeware and gifting, where personality, quality and discovery are key drivers.
• Face-to-face interaction makes shoppers 60% more likely to buy.
• 89% of retailers who collaborate report a positive commercial impact, yet only 23% are actively collaborating today.
• 83% say they want to collaborate more, pointing to a major untapped opportunity.
• 38% of retailers say free parking is the single most important intervention.
• 63% of consumers say free parking would increase visits.

While 71% of independent retailers report stable or growing trade, the report also reveals that only 28% are actively investing in growth, pointing to a clear gap between current performance and future potential. However, 52% of independents are focusing on marketing and brand storytelling, and 40% are planning more events and in-store experiences.

Another key takeaway is that retailers should “focus on value beyond price” and curate collections worth paying full price for, rather than discounting to compete. If retailers can adapt their strategies, they will be able to capture increased spend.

Broadbent added: “With strong consumer demand and clear strategies for success, the report suggests the opportunity for independent retailers is not constrained by demand, but by execution.”

Autumn Fair 2026 takes place between 7-10 September at the NEC Birmingham, while the next Spring Fair is set for 7-10 February 2027 at the same venue.

The full ‘Voices of Retail Report’ is available to download now, with case studies at: https://www.springfair.com/voices-retail-report