Blog | Indie’s, we need you!

The national picture

A good mix of national chains vs independent retailers is vital to the health of our town centres. While national chain stores can drive footfall to the town, too many at the expense of independents can result in a town losing its identity, a lack of community feel, and ultimately people shopping elsewhere.

The pandemic led to many chain retailers reducing their presence on the high street, creating opportunities for independent businesses to grow in the space left behind. In 2021 the number of independent shops on Britain’s high streets increased for the first time in 5 years. 

However since then, across the country, some independents are struggling due to spiralling business rates and increasing rents, as well as high parking charges, poor infrastructure and the loss of vital banking services. Add in higher energy costs and interest rates, and more retailer insolvencies and closures seem likely over the next couple of years.

Independents in Kingston

Springboards April 2023 report on Independent units showed Kingston behind the rest of London and the UK:

Why so low?

Kingston’s success and location seems to be a factor. Kingston was listed as 4th on the HDH Vitality Ranking of 2022, which determines the health of high streets and shopping centres, and in 2023 has been rated the top borough in Greater London in LSH’s London Vitality Index, making it a key location for National Brands, who see a presence in Kingston as an important part of their portfolios.

What do visitors want?

Kingston has some fantastic and very popular independents. To name a few, Banquet Records, Poor Boys, Local Hero and Natterjacks bring visitors from far and wide.

However, our 2021 survey of 1088 consumers showed that 58% of visitors would be encouraged to visit Kingston more often if there were more independent shops. Feedback from followers of our consumer brand ‘Kingston Upon Thames’ on social media mentioned they would love independent bookstores, clothing stores, refill shops, and leisure activities such as yoga and cycling studios.

What are we doing about it?

Kingston First has recently commissioned the Retail Group to take a look at what barriers independent retailers are facing when it comes to setting up in Kingston. We look forward to finding out what can be done to encourage more independent retailers to our town and working with other stakeholders on making it happen!