What will the high street look like after Covid?

Napoleon famously called Britain “a nation of shopkeepers”. He meant it as an insult, but in The UK we have long since been proud of our local shop scene. Few other countries place such an important role in the health of their high streets, and whilst modern globalisation and economic change has meant that supermarkets and out of town retail outlets reign supreme, the high street retains a vital part in the British national narrative.

It’s no surprise therefore that the fate of the high street remains a common feature in news articles and opinion pieces. Whether it’s news about rising commercial rents or the growth of online shopping providers, the high street seems to be in a state of almost constant danger. Whilst there is largely some truth in most of the threats presented about the high street, it is warming to see that when placed under strain, many in this country rally in support of the high street, with campaigns like the governments “Shop Local” reinforcing the special place our greengrocers, fishmongers and other emporiums play in our hearts.

However, it is no surprise that a new and potentially devastating threat has emerged to the high street in the form of the coronavirus outbreak. Many industry insiders have voiced worries that the coronavirus outbreak and its resultant economic impact could have fatal consequences for many high streets across the UK. Coupled with pre-existing threats like online shopping and rising rent, the UK high street scene has never been in such mortal danger.

When the pandemic went beyond the government’s control in March this year, non-essential shops were ordered to close for nearly three months. During this time, many high street shops lost ground to net based rivals, and those without an online presence counted the cost in a complete loss of custom almost overnight.

Following the reopening of town centres, footfall has understandably been slow to return. Many still possess fears over the prevalence of the disease, and despite their necessity in regards to public health, many remain reluctant to don a facemask just to pop to the shops, preferring the comfort and convenience of online shopping.

Industries which have seen their high street businesses struggle include cinemas, charity shops and even high street bookmakers. A prevalence of Bookies, alongside pound-shops and pawn brokers have often been an indication of a high street in peril, however where once high street bookmakers may have benefitted from an economic downturn they are now looking over their shoulders nervously as more people grow accustomed to betting online. With new restrictions seemingly imposed by the day in a bid to control the virus, many are questioning are betting shops open today, but that question may not be relevant in the future unless high street bookies adapt to the crisis and freshen up their in-store offering.

Of course, there is an opportunity to wrestle victory for the high street from the jaws of decline. Whilst Covid has presented a sharp kick in the teeth for most retailers, others have quietly welcomed the wakeup call it has provided for many businesses. Enterprises are now needed to regenerate the high street and encourage greater footfall. This could include multi-use venues where shoppers can remain for longer, rivalling the out-of-town shopping centres. Others may wish to take the opportunity to finally expand their online presence, and make their spaces more digitally inclusive.

Ultimately, the high street is too ingrained in Britain’s national psyche to be completely eradicated, however action at all levels of society, from government to ordinary shoppers is required to ensure that the country’s beloved high streets are not changed beyond recognition by Covid.