New research published today has shown that 43 per cent of shoppers are upset by the continued decline of the UK High Street but are voting with their feet regardless by heading online.
The consumer poll looked at areas most likely to be hit by further declines 28 per cent of respondents citing music as at risk and 24 per cent believing bookshops to be in trouble.
To plug these voids the survey found 31 per cent of people were keen on online brand Amazon establishing a High Street presence with 21 per cent expressing a desire to see vacant units turned into bookshops.
At the opposite end of the scale 37 per cent of Britons think High Streets would be improved by fewer betting shops, 27 per cent want fewer fast food restaurants and 23 per cent calling for a purge of estate agents.
Increasingly, the survey noted, Britain’s High Streets are becoming places to socialise with just 55 per cent heading there with the express intent to buy. Of the remainder, 28 per cent go to window shop and 22 per cent head there to meet friends.
Nick Gray, MD of retail and shopper creative agency Live & Breathe said: “Shoppers care that the UK’s high streets are in decline but face a tough decision – they want to support their high street but they also seem to believe it’s more expensive and provides less choice. Retailers need to do more to reassure and engage shoppers, and at the same time be aware that the high street is no longer just about buying.
“Bookshops are a prime example of this dilemma of emotion versus practicality. In the age of Amazon, the independent high street bookseller is under more pressure than ever before, and yet shoppers want to see more of them.”