Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown has hugely impacted how retailers can operate, with restrictions resulting in an almost overnight blanket closure of our UK high streets with the exception of specific essential retailers.

This significant change to the way in which we can shop has led to consumers embracing new shopping habits, and with lengthy queues often forming outside supermarkets and online delivery slots being few and far between, many have switched to the independent retailers on their local high streets for everyday essentials.

Prior to Covid-19 we were already seeing a growing trend towards buying locally produced food, with many consumers beginning to make a notable effort to buy seasonal produce with reduced air miles, and the current situation appears to have reinforced this.

We have seen a movement towards supporting local retailers, with high street butchers, bakers and grocers continuing to offer their products and services throughout the crisis, with some even joining forces to collectively make local deliveries.

There have also been numerous examples of entrepreneurial local restaurants and cafes switching to a takeaway offer overnight as well as using their kitchens to cook food for NHS staff and other essential workers.

One sub sector that has inadvertently been prepared for this current world is the local takeaway operators, which, with a few operational changes to allow for socially distanced orders and deliveries, have managed to operate as close to normal as is possible in the current climate.

In contrast, larger F&B chains are only now starting to reopen on a delivery only basis as it has taken longer for them to implement the necessary measures to protect staff and customers alike.

This drive towards shopping local, along with the concerted efforts that these businesses have made to continue supporting their own neighbourhoods during this time, should help independents reap longer term rewards with the loyalty they have built up during the course of the crisis.

We are also continuing to hear how Covid-19 is set to impact the office environment, with increased flexibility to allow staff to work from home becoming a likely possibility. If this turns out to be the case, and we begin to see more people working in their home towns, local high streets will inevitably see a boost with more of the population at home from 9-5 on a Monday to Friday than has previously been the case.

As restrictions are eased and more retailers are able to reopen it will be interesting to see how consumer behaviour adapts and if the focus towards supporting local businesses continues, which we hope will be the case.

Our local high streets are no doubt in need of a bit of love and the support of the community could secure the future of the shops that have been key fixtures on our high streets for generations.

Further information

Contact Savills High Street Retail