A new study has revealed what Britons consider the perfect high street, with bakeries, free parking, and independent coffee shops emerging as the most desired features. The research, conducted by Faire and Spring and Autumn Fair, surveyed 2,040 UK shoppers and 650 retailers to provide a comprehensive picture of high street preferences.
According to the findings, 70% of respondents said a bakery is essential, followed closely by free parking (69%) and an independent coffee shop (59%). Other popular amenities include a bank (58%), a cash point (57%), independent restaurants (57%), and a butcher (55%). Supermarkets (52%), chemists (50%), and cafés (48%) also made the top ten. Among chains, Greggs (41%), M&S (40%), and Boots (39%) were favoured.
Conversely, the features Britons would most like to see removed from high streets include vape shops (68%), boarded-up units (66%), gambling arcades (52%), and bookmakers (45%). Tanning salons (36%) and chain coffee shops (19%) were also unpopular.
The study highlights that half of Britons still view their local high street as an essential community hub, with average monthly spending of £66. However, 95% said they would spend more if there were a greater variety of shops. Free short-stay parking was deemed essential by 69% of shoppers, who want an average of 88 minutes free, while 38% of retailers identified parking as crucial for growth.
Charlotte Broadbent, UK General Manager at Faire, noted: 'For most people, their local high street is still the heart of their community, and what surprised us most is just how strong that demand remains.' Paul Grout, a butcher from Stoke Newington, added: 'Free parking is certainly a major draw... when Mr and Mrs Jones can't simply drive up the street to collect their Sunday roast, it deters them from supporting small businesses.'
The research also found that 92% of shoppers are more keen to view products in person due to AI, and 85% prefer human interaction over self-service checkouts. Despite economic pressures, 71% of independent retailers report stable or growing trade, with 39% actively expanding.
