The Decline of England’s High Streets

Once the beating heart of local communities, England’s high streets have long symbolised more than just places to shop; they have been hubs of employment, social connection and community involvement. But in recent years, these once-vibrant centres have been steadily declining. Empty shopfronts, falling footfall and widespread closures now define the landscape in many towns and cities.

Behind the boarded-up windows and growing charity shops lies a complex story of economic upheaval, policy failure and shifting consumer behaviour. It could be easily argued that working people are bearing the brunt of this decline.

Reasons for the Decline

Several converging factors have accelerated the high street decline. The main one is the continued rise of online shopping, which has reshaped retail habits. Consumers now favour the convenience, price competitiveness and wide product range of e-commerce sites—advantages that traditional retailers, particularly small independents, struggle to match. For many local shop owners, competing online isn’t just difficult; it’s financially and technically out of reach.

At the same time, the cost of doing business on the high street has soared. Commercial rents, business rates and utility bills have climbed steadily, creating unsustainable pressure for retailers. While some high-end streets report commanding rents of up to £250 per square foot, even mid-sized towns face inflated costs.

By comparison, out-of-town retail parks offer not only lower rents but also perks like free parking and larger units, making them more attractive for both retailers and consumers alike.

The lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has only compounded these pressures, forcing prolonged closures and permanently altering consumer routines. With more people now working remotely and shopping online, town centres—once buoyed by lunchtime footfall and casual browsing—have yet to fully recover.

Towns Hit the Hardest

The effects are being felt across the country, but particularly in areas already facing economic challenges. Research highlights towns such as Royal Tunbridge Wells, Torquay, Ellesmere Port, Ipswich and Stoke-on-Trent as among the most acutely affected. Many of these communities are dealing with compounded issues such as limited investment, shrinking public services and higher unemployment.

In regions like the North East, North West and West Midlands—where deindustrialisation left deep scars—high street decline represents yet another blow.

The Collapse of Major Retailers

The crisis is not limited to small independents. Between 2024 and 2025, a number of well-known retail chains have downsized or disappeared entirely:

• WHSmith has closed 17 stores already this year, with further closures planned.
• Superdry, Warren James and The Original Factory Shop are shutting branches across the country.
• Ted Baker will close all UK and Ireland stores by August 2025.
• LloydsPharmacy has exited high streets altogether following liquidation.
• The Body Shop, once a high street staple, filed for administration in early 2024, closing dozens of locations.
• Homebase and Carpetright have also faced financial collapse, with some stores rebranded or sold off.

In total, 13,500 stores closed in 2024—an average of 37 per day. The forecast for 2025 is even grimmer, with up to 17,350 closures expected. Independent retailers are the most vulnerable, often unable to withstand even minor economic shocks.

Policy Decisions Matter

While digital disruption plays a role, the decline of the high street is also a direct result of government inaction and misguided policy. Key issues include:

• Business rates relief has been slashed, falling from 75% to 40% in April 2025 just as retailers struggle to stay afloat.
• National Insurance hikes, rising minimum wages without adequate small business support and skyrocketing utility costs have further squeezed already thin margins.
• The cost-of-living crisis has reduced household spending power, translating into fewer pounds spent on the high street.

For trade unions, these trends are not just about lost retail spaces; they are about jobs, fair work, and the right to a thriving local economy. Retail workers—often on insecure or low-paid contracts—are losing not just income but also the social protections that come with employment. The erosion of high streets threatens not only commerce but also the communities and livelihoods that rely on them.

What Is Still Working

Not all is bleak. Some sectors are showing resilience amid the downturn:

• Convenience stores are thriving, especially in residential neighbourhoods, as people opt for quick local shopping.
• Low-cost goods are attracting cash-strapped consumers seeking affordability.
• Retail parks continue to grow, offering ease of access and lower operating costs.

These shifts reveal where consumer habits are headed: toward affordability, convenience and experience-based shopping.

Can a New Vision for the High Street Be Built?

It is clear that the future of the high street cannot rely on nostalgia. Attempts to restore the past will fall short unless we reckon with current realities. Instead, we must reimagine the high street as more than just a retail corridor.

Some now argue that by investing in mixed-use spaces, improved public transport and community infrastructure, we can transform empty shopfronts into useful public assets. But far more must be done—and it must be done without added cost to high street retailers.

Trade unions can advocate for a people-centred approach to high street renewal. That means:

• Fighting for fair employment protections as retail jobs shift or disappear.
• Campaigning for reform of business rates to help small businesses survive.
• Demanding community-led regeneration funding from local government.
• Supporting co-operative and community-owned retail models that keep wealth local and accountable.

England’s high streets stand at a crossroads. They can either continue to decline, dragging local economies and communities down with them, or they can be reimagined. The stakes are high, but with the right investment, policy and grassroots support, high streets can evolve into places where people don’t just shop but gather, connect and belong to their community.