A new study has identified the key components of the perfect British high street, with a bakery, free parking, and an independent coffee shop topping the list of desired features.
Top Desired Features
According to research conducted by Faire and Spring and Autumn Fair, 70% of Brits want a bakery on their high street, 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%). Rounding out the top ten are a supermarket (52%), a chemist (50%), and cafés (48%).
While independent shops are highly valued, some chains also made the list: Greggs (41%), M&S (40%), and Boots (39%) are among the most wanted.
Least Wanted Features
On the flip side, the study revealed what Brits would like to see less of. Vape shops topped the list at 68%, followed by empty or boarded-up units (66%), gambling arcades (52%), and bookmakers (45%). Tanning salons (36%) and chain coffee shops (19%) were also unpopular.
Community and Independent Retail
The Voices of Retail study surveyed 2,040 UK shoppers and 650 UK retailers, offering a comprehensive view of high street dynamics. 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."
Half of Britons (50%) consider their local high street essential to their community. On average, people spend £66 per month locally, and 95% would spend more if a greater variety of shops were available.
Independent retailers are thriving: 71% report stable or growing trade, and 39% are expanding despite economic pressures. Retailers investing in brand, storytelling, and community are more likely to grow, while those focusing solely on discounting tend to struggle.
Free short-stay parking is deemed essential by 69% of respondents, who want an average of 88 minutes free. Retailers agree, with 38% citing parking as crucial for growth.
Interestingly, 92% of shoppers said the rise of AI makes them more eager to view products in person, and 85% prefer human interaction over self-service checkouts or AI assistants.
Voices from the High Street
Paul Grout, owner of MEAT N16 in Stoke Newington, emphasised the importance of quality service and free parking: "It's about being able to offer a quality service that you just don't get from large corporations. Free parking is certainly a major draw."
Imogen Corker, 28, called for more support for independent businesses, including grants and tax breaks. Taner Kose, of Sapid Coffee, highlighted the sense of community among independent shops: "I know I can pop over and borrow lids or cups or milk from one of the other shops if I run short."
Christiana Charalambous, who works at PREP, cook, shop, stressed human connection: "It's all about human connection for me, that's why I think people keep returning to businesses."
Top 20 Wanted Features
- Bakers – 70%
- Free parking – 69%
- Independent coffee shops – 59%
- A bank – 58%
- A cash point – 57%
- Independent restaurants – 57%
- Butchers – 55%
- A supermarket – 52%
- Chemist – 50%
- Cafés – 48%
- Independent bars – 45%
- Hairdressers – 45%
- Quirky Gift Shops – 43%
- Takeaway Shop – 41%
- Greggs – 41%
- Independent Book Shop – 41%
- Barbers – 40%
- M&S – 40%
- Boots – 39%
- Longer Opening Hours – 36%
Top 10 Least Wanted Features
- Vape shops – 68%
- Empty/boarded-up shop units – 66%
- Gambling arcades – 52%
- Bookies – 45%
- Payday loan shops / cash converters – 41%
- Tanning salons – 36%
- Phone repair and accessory shops – 31%
- Fast food takeaways – 26%
- Charity shops – 23%
- Chain coffee shops – 19%
