Ikea set to trial smaller format stores in the UK

Swedish furniture giant Ikea have revealed plans to trail smaller stores in an attempt to reach more customers across the UK. Ikea currently have 18 warehouse-style outlets across the UK, meaning shoppers often have to travel long distances to ... Read more

5 things that make a great high street

High streets in the UK face constant challenges to survive and thrive in the modern era. Competition from online retailers and the changing habits of consumers means that it is the most creative and understanding towns that attract people to their ... Read more

Ten of the UK’s most festive Christmas markets

With just two weeks to go until Christmas, we’re looking at some of the most festive places to do your shopping this winter. Across the UK, towns and cities have embraced the Christmas spirit and that can only be a good thing for consumers and ... Read more

Prime retail locations proving difficult to find

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find prime retail locations in shopping centres and on high streets, according to a recent report from Retail Week. The Shop Report 2014 was released this week and provides an insight into the challenges ... Read more

5 tips for retailers on improving customer engagement

Customer interaction can be the difference between a buzzing shop floor and closing down sale. Retailers are having to work harder than ever to keep afloat, but it is those who are adapting to meet the needs of modern consumers that are thriving on ... Read more

Great British High Street Awards – shortlist announced

The names of the towns, cities and streets that will battle it out to be called the best location for shoppers in the UK have been revealed. The competition is being run by the Future High Streets Forum and highlights innovative methods of boosting ... Read more

Birmingham City Council announce strategy to improve retail scene

Birmingham City Council has revealed plans to make the city a destination of choice for shoppers and visitors alike. With the Bullring and Mailbox shopping centres already proven successes, the capital of the West Midlands is looking to deliver an ... Read more

Thousands of retailers benefitting from £1,000 business rates discount

Around 300,000 retail premises across the UK have benefitted from more than £272 million of tax relief this year, says the new High Streets Minister Penny Mordaunt. Speaking at the annual high street retailers conference, the Minister said: “A ... Read more

Improved disabled access could increase high street business

Retailers could be turning away one in five people by not catering for disabled people and potentially losing out on valuable business. The Minister for Disabled People Mark Harper said: “We want businesses up and down our high streets to realise ... Read more