The Death of the UK High Street

The economic downturn has had an effect on us all. Whether it be losing a job thanks to cut backs forced on both the public and private sector, refusal of a loan or mortgage thanks to banks tightening their belt or simply paying more for a litre of fuel or loaf of bread. I don’t need to point out that the region’s high streets have been decimated over this time period too. But I will, and I have.

The recent news about Comet being on the brink of administration was not a huge shock given their recent struggles – but the sheer number potential job losses is staggering – with over 6,000 employees worried for their future. In addition to the fall from grace of Woolworths, Zavvi and Blacks Leisure coupled with the struggles of HMV – we could be seeing a very different high street in the coming years.

The finger of blame for the demise of these once mighty names can easily be pointed at the global recession as well as people’s shopping habits changing. How many of you find it easier to simply open a browser on your laptop or mobile, search for the item, put it in your virtual shopping trolley and then pay for it? You’re saving yourself time and hassle – and often a few pennies in the process. Why would you want to go into a busy shopping centre? For me personally, I really dislike the hassle that is associated with going shopping. You have the stress of finding a parking space in a maze of multi story car parks; the long walk from one end of the shopping centre to the other; looking for the item and size you want; queuing to pay and then you have to find your way out of said shopping centre along with hundreds of other like-minded types. Just this week, I managed to find a Christmas gift for the (un)lucky lady in my life in about 1 minute – all without cursing at the selfish so-and-so in the 4x4 who just stole my parking spot in the MetroCentre (two years later and I’m still bitter about this).

Giving us the option of a stress-free shopping experience has been something of a double edged sword for retailers. Whilst they may have been able to make some healthy profits from their e-business, their flagship stores have suffered as a consequence. The aforementioned Zavvi (formerly Virgin Megastores) are now an online only retailer. How long before some even bigger high street names like John Lewis, M&S and Primark follow suit?

It’s difficult to imagine what our high streets will look like in ten years time. Will the economic recovery result in a new boom for retailers or will we see the likes of Fenwick, HMV and WH Smith replaced by charity shops, Nobles Amusements and Cash Converters? The truth is, no one knows…but for the sake of tradition (and people employed in the retail sector) I hope for the former.

Read more from Westray Recruitment at www.westrayrecruitment.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Stephen Farrell .