There’s mounting pressure facing independent retailers across the UK, with a new survey blaming dwindling footfall and surging costs for a decline in the belief that government is listening and doing enough to help.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The findings collated by Spring & Autumn Fair in conjunction with SaveTheHigh Street “uncover a clear path forward, and a resilient sector still determined to fight for its place at the heart of British communities”.

However, negativity was certainly strong. The survey, which collected insights from over 250 independent retail businesses, revealed that over 50% of them “have considered closing their business”.

The biggest challenges they face include reduced customer spending and footfall (63.4%), competition from online giants (57.4%), and rising wage and employment costs (39%).

Other major concerns include rising rent and property costs (21.1%), high business rates (14.7%), and a lack of sufficient funding for high street regeneration (22.7%).
 
Reflecting a “growing sense of frustration”, 84% of independent retailers said they “lack confidence that the government is doing enough to support them”.

Most are small operations, with 89.4% running a single store and 86.3% employing fewer than five people, “highlighting just how vulnerable they are”, the report said. And despite their resilience, with 62.8% trading for more than three years and 36.7% for over a decade, “many now find themselves at a crossroads”.
 

What retailers say they need

When asked what would make the biggest difference to their business, independent retailers sent a clear and coordinated message, “targeted support and practical action are urgently needed”. 

The most common request to government was increased grants or funding for small businesses (39%), followed by a freeze or reduction in business rates (26.7%).

Retailers also highlighted local improvements that would have a tangible impact on day-to-day trade, including better high street infrastructure (49.4%), more community-focused events to drive footfall (49.8%), affordable parking (46.6%), and stronger marketing support (76.9%).

The findings also highlighted the vital role independent retailers play in their communities beyond commerce. Some 64.1% described their store as the “social heart” of the area, while 57.4% offer services that national chains often can’t, including personalised advice, special orders, and local expertise. Many also support vulnerable residents, preserve the unique character of their high streets, and provide the foundation for future regeneration.

The report said that the message from Britain’s independent retailers is clear, “they are ready to adapt, innovate, and lead the rejuvenation of their high streets, but they can’t do it alone”. 

“While some government initiatives, such as pedestrianising high streets and localised regeneration pilots, show there is awareness of the problem, they simply don’t go far enough to address the scale and urgency of the crisis”.
Spring & Autumn Fair and SaveTheHighStreet.org are therefore urging policymakers “to listen to what retailers are telling them and take immediate, practical steps to ease the burden on small businesses”. 

This includes “urgent action on business rates, targeted funding, and investment in infrastructure that helps footfall grow again”. 

“Without meaningful support, the cost of inaction will be measured not just in closed shops, but in lost communities. The future of Britain’s high streets depends on swift, coordinated efforts from government, industry, and communities alike”, they said.

Soraya Gadelrab, event director at Spring & Autumn Fair, added: “This data shows how much independent retailers are struggling – but also how much they matter. The high street is more than a place to shop. It’s a space for connection, culture, and community. If we want thriving towns, we must start by backing the businesses that hold them together.”
 
Alex Schlagman, founding partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org, also said: “These findings reveal just how critical it is to remove the barriers holding small retailers back. Through smarter support, local partnerships, and focused innovation, we can level the playing field and ensure independent businesses thrive in a changing world.”