Member Article

Grimsey serves up antidote to Portas’ high street medicine

Former Wickes boss and retail veteran Bill Grimsey has published his “alternative” review of the high street, to mixed response from the business world.

Details of Grimsey’s review emerged this week including his idea to introduce a levy on major retailers with a turnover of more than £10m, freezing of car parking charges, and forcing shopping centre developers to provide affordable shop or market stall space for local traders.

The 31 recommendations go against Mary Portas’ review that was published in December 2011.

Grimsey suggests that a levy on major retailers would create a £550m fund to be used in sprucing the high street.

Katja Hall, CBI chief policy director, said: “Rapid change in the retail sector means high streets have changed forever, and we can’t reinvent them as they once were.

“High streets are suffering from a lack of strategic vision, so a business plan for each town centre is a good idea – giving businesses the opportunity to work alongside local authorities to breathe new life into our town centres.

“Action on business rates would help ease the pressure on some retailers struggling to keep their doors open. However, a one-off money-grab on larger retailers would undermine investment and job creation.”

“Town centres need to reinvent themselves as the centre of community life, have an independent identity and not be over reliant on national retail chains.

“Though the job titles may differ, we are already seeing steering groups formed in several boroughs as local councils really start to take ownership of their high streets. Hardworking masterplans to redress the balance have already been put in place in centres such as Stockport, Altrincham and Rochdale.

“There is no room for nostalgia as our high streets must keep pace with society’s requirements in order to be successful. Just as cotton mills have been transformed into apartments and telegrams have become text messages, the high street must grow and change.”

Adam Stewart, marketing director at Rakuten’s play.com, said: “There is a growing appetite amongst consumers for discovery shopping where engaging experiences are everything – exciting information and rich content is an invaluable addition to complement the product proposition. As many online retailers and marketplaces provide tailored suggestions, recommendations and services, it’s crucial to consider how such experiences can be translated in store.

“Social networks for example, are allowing retailers to connect with consumers using images of products that can shared amongst friends, shaping the way consumers research, discover and purchase. We will watch with interest as the ‘alternative’ review is announced in the Autumn.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .