October/November 2024
housewareslive.net
What does the future hold? What does the future hold for our high streets? According to Ojay McDonald, Chief Executive of the Association of Town & City Management, the paradigm is shifting; high streets are no longer essential—they must evolve into desirable destinations. “We can’t depend on people needing the high street,” Mr McDonald stated. “We must create spaces that people actively want to visit.”
He highlighted the intense challenges facing brick-and-
mortar retailers today. While platforms like TikTok can enhance retail discovery, apps like Vinted facilitate peer-to-peer sales, intensifying competition. “The game has changed dramatically for the high street,” he remarked. Mr McDonald also addressed critical issues like fragmented
property ownership and the challenges posed by uniformity across high streets. “I have nothing against large retailers, but when every high street looks the same, it becomes a problem,” he betting shops, charity shops, and coffee chains—each necessary, yet their saturation dilutes the uniqueness of local shopping experiences. “A diverse business mix is crucial,” he emphasised. Town
centres should function as holistic ecosystems, offering a vibrant blend of retail, hospitality, leisure, and community spaces to draw visitors in.
Despite the rise of online shopping, Mr McDonald believes Government’s pre-budget agenda
including announcing a series of planning reforms to try and get Britain building. We have established the National Wealth Fund, we have announced a review of pensions in order to try England and we have established Great British British Energy. will know only too well. “I think as a government we will be judged in part by our success in terms of delivering sustained economic growth on how people feel about the state of the high streets that they’re shopping or that they live nearby. “We know that high streets in particular are very important
including an nnou uncing a series of planning reforms to try and M
P Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports at the Department for Business and Trade, outlined his proposed plans for the UK’s
high streets at the Bira conference.
Mr Thomas said: “I recognise that this conference is a great opportunity to come together and celebrate 125 years of to formally recognise on behalf of the Government the very important contribution that independent retailers make to our high streets. “Achieving sustained economic growth is going to require aware we have made a number of steps in that regard already
through on efforts to crack down on retail crime and tackle anti-social behaviour issues there as well. “The Government also wants to make sure that there’s a level
“We’re very clear we can’t succeed in our objectives both
of reviving the high street and helping small businesses and delivering crucially that high system economic growth across the G7 without engaging them and continuing with the business community.” Whilst Mr Thomas made these statements before the
Autumn budget, he did provide us with some insight into the Government’s long-term plans - aiming to create a more equitable landscape for small and independent businesses, which he explains are “crucial drivers of the economy”.
BIRA CONFERENCE 2024
high streets can still provide valuable experiences that digital platforms cannot replicate. “We must shift our mindset,” he concluded, “and transform our high streets into places where people genuinely want to be.” “You’re not doing it because you want to be the next Primark, you’re doing it because you believe in what you do,” added Mr Goodacre.
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