Celebrating High Street Positives: Shifting the Narrative. Commentary by Laura Harris
High Street Positives is really excited to announce the launch of its first newsletter, aiming to transform the negative perception of UK High Streets by highlighting positive developments, retailers store roll outs, thriving independents, community initiatives, and innovative businesses. This initiative showcases the vital role High Streets play as community hubs, combating loneliness and fostering local economies.
In collaboration with Find Out Now, a poll of over 54,000 respondents reveals a significant impact of media narratives on public perceptions: 44% see High Street coverage as negative, only 17% as positive; and there is a very strong relationship showing those exposed to negative news are less likely to visit. This data underscores the need for a positive narrative to boost footfall and economic vitality.
Positive stories highlighted in the newsletter include Sostrene Grene‘s store roll out, Bristol’s Sparks sustainable hub, Faire‘s support for aspiring retailers, and Naturalmat‘s showroom expansions. Expert insights from Iain Nicholson MIPM highlight collaboration as key to reducing vacant units.
This month there is a focus on how Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) can play a crucial role to the high street, investing in marketing, public space improvements, and events to drive local growth, as seen with Sunderland BID’s £13m economic boost from a £3.3m levy.
Subscribe to the #HighStreetPositives newsletter to stay informed about the latest high street developments, celebrate their vibrancy and resilience, and help shift the focus to their growth potential. Subscribe here.
Contact: Laura Harris laura@lhanalytics.co.uk
About High Street Positives:
An Initiative dedicated to highlighting positive High Street stories, encouraging community engagement and economic growth. High Street Positives on LinkedIn.
About Find Out Now:
Find Out Now is a polling and market research panel with 2.8 million members. Highly profiled respondents can be targeted instantly, with over 100,000 daily responses allowing the delivery of same-day nationally representative sampling. Find Out Now are members of the British Polling Council and Market Research Society, and abide by their rules. Find Out Now.
