Sidmouth, a picturesque seaside town in East Devon, is defying the national high street decline with more than 70 independent shops and virtually no empty units, according to local business leaders.
Independent spirit and community support
Ian Gregory, chairman of the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber represents over 70 independent shops, with the vast majority of the high street made up of independent retailers rather than national chains. "We're bucking the trend here," he told the Express. "We don't really have any empty shops here."
Gregory emphasized that local businesses collaborate closely, supporting each other instead of competing. "People work together well." This cooperative approach is echoed by other traders, including Simon Greenslade of Humbug Gift Shop, who noted that a WhatsApp group helps businesses recommend each other to customers. "We all work together. It's really friendly," he said.
A year-round destination
Sidmouth's appeal extends beyond summer, with a packed events calendar including the Jazz Festival, Folk Festival, Classic Car Show, Science Festival, and Sea Fest. The town also boasts a theatre with a 12-week repertory season and various sports clubs, from golf to rugby.
The town's scenic beauty is a major draw, featuring dramatic red sandstone cliffs, the historic Jacob's Ladder Clock Tower, and panoramic views over Lyme Bay. Sidmouth is a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and was rated third in the Which? top-10 UK seaside destinations for 2025, with a 75% destination score this year.
Historic businesses and new ventures
Fields of Sidmouth, an independent department store trading from the same location since 1809, is older than Harrods and Selfridges. Store manager Edward Blackmore said the store thrives due to "the resilience of Sidmouth as a town, the good staff and the customers." The store has over 20,000 loyalty card holders and offers a hotel delivery service for visitors.
Newer businesses also flourish, such as Gladrags, a women's fashion boutique run by Jane Powell, who said, "We don't really have any empty shops here. It's pretty busy all the time." Similarly, Jamey D'Amato's café, Someday Something, has become famous for its fresh scones, with D'Amato noting, "It's a real community here, it is lovely."
Looking ahead
A £21 million coastal defence project is underway to protect the seafront for the next 100 years, ensuring the town's future. With its strong community spirit and collaborative businesses, Sidmouth offers a model of a thriving traditional seaside town.
