To what extent is the future appeal of traditional bricks-and-mortar retailing in locations in question?

Some 45% of adults make regular use of a local high street - who are they and what do they think about the future of shopping?

Which types of retailers would shoppers using local destinations like to see better represented?

As the amount of choice to consumers in how, where and when they shop increases, the future appeal of traditional bricks-and-mortar retailing in locations would seem to be in question. Structural changes in the industry as well as in Government have brought radical changes to the shopping environment. Greater mobility and affluence has broadened the repertoire of shops, locations and retailers that people want to be able to choose from, and the service that they expect. Despite the growth in alternative shopping channels, however, today's is a healthy environment for retailers. Can the developments in online and electronic shopping and financial services actually work to encourage retail spend? With the increased use of town centres for leisure activity, will shopping become a secondary activity, or can the retail industry work closer together with the leisure business to maintain the impetus for using local shopping destinations?

To what extent is the future appeal of traditional bricks-and-mortar retailing in locations in question?

Some 45% of adults make regular use of a local high street - who are they and what do they think about the future of shopping?

Which types of retailers would shoppers using local destinations like to see better represented?

As the amount of choice to consumers in how, where and when they shop increases, the future appeal of traditional bricks-and-mortar retailing in locations would seem to be in question. Structural changes in the industry as well as in Government have brought radical changes to the shopping environment. Greater mobility and affluence has broadened the repertoire of shops, locations and retailers that people want to be able to choose from, and the service that they expect. Despite the growth in alternative shopping channels, however, today's is a healthy environment for retailers. Can the developments in online and electronic shopping and financial services actually work to encourage retail spend? With the increased use of town centres for leisure activity, will shopping become a secondary activity, or can the retail industry work closer together with the leisure business to maintain the impetus for using local shopping destinations?

This report highlights the extent to which high streets and local shopping destinations continue to appeal and to whom they appeal. Triggered by the growth in the number of alternative channels for shopping, and therefore options for the consumer, The Survival of the High Street examines the context of the evolving structure of the retail industry, and considers the wider issues facing high streets and town centres. This report also deciphers the role of local authorities and town centre managers in shaping the appearance and presentation of in-town shopping. Analysing consumer attitudes, The Survival of the High Street assesses the importance and future role of service providers rather than retailers in providing the types of offer that shoppers would like to see better represented at local destinations.