With retail once again hitting the headlines, most recently that BooHoo is buying Debenhams, closing all stores and taking the brand entirely online – with the company planning to create the UK’s largest marketplace across homeware, fashion, beauty and sport – one retail organisation is predicting that it is the independent retailers that will thrive in the longer term.
Daniel Whytock, ceo of DownYourHighStreet.com says that independent shops will have the opportunity to prosper as consumers look for alternatives to the household names that have been acquired and taken online.
“I predict that within five years we will see high streets offering a more unique experience,” he continues. “Independent retailers will thrive as they are small enough to adapt quickly to changes, and with these large brands leaving the high street, smaller retailers will be the ones offering consumers a place to shop in person – where they can talk to someone, feel and see the goods they want to purchase, and know that returns can be processed quickly and easily if needed. Also, shopping is, for many, a social activity. So once the restrictions are lifted, many people will be looking for that in-person experience to complement their online shopping.”
Adds Daniel: “Even with the rise of e-commerce, consumers wanting their shopping the very next day, and at the best price, let’s not forget that human beings naturally desire physical experiences and the retailers that offer the best experience will prosper on the high street in years to come.”
Top: The Debenhams brand, bought by BooHoo, will be going entirely online.
