DIYWEEK.net

A growing presence of specialist shops such as arts and crafts stores, bakery and home baking stores and health food outlets reveals that high streets are adapting to take on the supermarkets and shopping centres.
A major study of the UK's independent shops by business insurance provider Simply Business shows how the traditional high street stalwarts of pubs, cafes and takeaways are gradually being replaced by more boutique outlets catering to increasingly discerning shoppers.

Analysing over 30,000 independent retail outlets that it insures across the UK, Simply Business found that the proportion of pubs in high streets has dropped 20% in the last year, cafes have fallen 11%, sandwich bars 16% and takeaways by 3%.

Meanwhile, the presence of health food shops rose by 42% and butchers and bakeries by 21 and 17% respectively. Tea rooms are up 9% and traditional sweet shops by 15%.

In response to the needs of recession-conscious Brits, there has also been a marked increase in the number of shops dedicated to 'make it yourself' purchases. For example, shops catering specifically for home baking have risen by 50% in the last year, arts and crafts shops are up 29% and fabric shops are up 44%.

Simply Business says the findings show that shoppers are happy to go to specialist outlets rather than supermarkets for certain purchases, and that retailers have taken heed of the advice from government advisor Mary Portas to "create experiences different to the ones consumers can get online or in shopping malls".

Said Simply Business CEO Jason Stockwood: "It's encouraging to see that the high street is adapting to the new retail landscape, where savvy shoppers have numerous alternatives including online, out-of-town shopping malls and supermarkets.

"Our findings show that independent retailers are increasingly looking to specialise or offer something different to alternative outlets, tempting shoppers with a more quirky, unique experience.

"We can also see fascinating evidence that while today's shoppers still like the finer things in life, they're putting effort into making their own treats and also shopping around for bargains. The rise in fabric shops, bakers produce and second-hand shops suggests that Brits are becoming more creative and resourceful with how they spend their money."

The five fastest-growing types of outlet over the last year have been models, musical instruments, bakers produce, fabrics and health food.