A report released by the BRC this week has shown that retail footfall is 1.8% higher than the same period in 2011. Regional high streets may be in crisis, and most retailers are reviewing store numbers and even layouts, but this is about an adjustment rather than extinction.
Click and Collect has already made the link in the minds of consumers, and mobile will drive it further.
The prediction that retail sales will grow by only 1% in 2012* suggests this may be a pivotal year for retailers. With a move away from high street and towards online for many retailers – will the store of the future actually have a physical presence?
Mary Portas’ independent review into the future of our high streets is now out and it has made a total of 28 recommendations ranging from creating ‘town teams,’ reviewing car park rates, re-classifying gambling shops and empowering landlords.
