Perfect high street must have a bakery, finds study

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A local bakery, a coffee shop and a bookshop are all requirements for the perfect high street, new research has revealed.

The study of 2,000 people has shown how important bakers are to consumers when they were asked which types of business they want to see on a high street. Also making the list were a post office, a butcher, a pub, a library, a fishmonger and a zero-waste shop or refill store. (See full list below.)

Research carried out for small-business payment provider Tyl by NatWest found that 74% of respondents are sad about the decline of the local high street, with 78% wanting to see its resurgence.

Yet only 17% do most of their shopping from smaller local businesses, and 43% admitted to using their high street just once a month or less.

The study also found 31% of respondents have noticed a significant decline on their high street in recent years, including more vacant shops and vandalism, with 34% stating that visiting such areas makes them feel sad or depressed.

Nearly half (49%) have noticed one or more of their favourite shops on the high street shutting down for good, while respondents said charity and pound stores have become more prevalent.

“There are still many fantastic high streets to be found in Britain, but there are also many factors eroding our use of them on a regular basis,” said Tyl by Natwest CEO Mike Elliff.

“Having great local businesses on our doorstep is something Brits really appreciate, and it would be a shame to see the high street continue its decline. With the cost of trading and an impending recession, it’s important that we support our local shops as much as possible.”

Elliff added that the research had revealed a romantic notion around the shops and businesses on people’s doorsteps.

“We would encourage Brits to cut down on this reminiscing and instead venture out onto the high street and discover their next favourite local store. Make the high street the bread and butter of your local community again.”