Contactless payments overtake chip and pin for the first time
Is the wallet finished? British shoppers are for the first time ever using contactless cards more than Chip and PIN to pay for in-store purchases. more»
High Streets Initiative
Despite being one of the most recognisable symbols of Britain's retail economy, our high streets are under threat. A combination of taxes, shopping behaviour changes and local authority regulation are putting pressure on independent and small retailers. However, our High Streets Initiative will present the manifestation of these threats in real life and explain how the high street can future-proof itself for the next 100 years.
Amidst the high street chaos, small retailers are finding alternative ways to fight back
While we might not have seen the last of the woes faced by town-centre retailers, the future is not necessarily so gloomy for independent retailers. more»
Embattled retailers demand end to “disproportionate” tax rates
Retailers suffered a September sales slowdown prompting the industry to call for an urgent reduction in detrimental tax rates and clarity over Brexit. more»
High street prices predicted to keep escalating in run-up to Christmas
Shop prices are expected to keep rising in the run-up to Christmas, with retailers hit by volatile weather and Brexit jitters throughout 2018. more»
Do you run a small independent store? Here’s how WiFi connectivity can help you compete with big brands
WiFi SPARK's Rees Flynn explains how WiFi connectivity can power the immersive retail experience for smaller independent stores. more»
Retailers are the most pessimistic small businesses in Britain
The latest Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Index revealed that retailers have the lowest confidence level of any sector, with 43% forecasting their fortunes will dive before Christmas. more»
Saving the UK’s independent restaurants before it’s too late
The pressure on small restaurant businesses is certainly taking its toll, yet the struggles being faced by these important, independent eateries are all too often overshadowed by the financial hardship of larger chains. more»
Virtual reality shop assistants will serve high street shoppers “in 5 years”
Being greeted at the door by a friendly virtual reality shop assistant will become standard across the UK high street in the next 5 years, according to a new study. more»
Deadpool 2’s Blockbuster revival shows power of authenticity in the streaming age
To celebrate the DVD and Blu-ray release of Deadpool 2, a temporary, pop-up version of iconic video rental store Blockbuster has opened in East London. more»
Will 2082 be the year ecommerce kills off the high street for good?
66 years from now, all retail sales will be made online, according to a new study. Could 2082 be the year the high street sees its final shopper? more»
