Independent retailers warn of ‘mounting pressure’ as half consider closure

New Survey Reveals Major Challenges

A new nationwide survey released by Spring & Autumn Fair, in partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.org, has uncovered the mounting pressure facing independent retailers across the UK, from dwindling footfall and surging costs to a sharp decline in confidence that government is listening and doing enough to help. The survey, which collected insights from over 250 independent retail businesses, paints a stark picture of Britain’s high streets in 2025…

Independent Retailers Call For Urgent Action

A new nationwide survey reveals the mounting pressure facing independent retailers across the UK.

Independent retailers warn of ‘mounting pressure’ as half consider closure

More than half of the UK’s independent retailers have considered closing their business, according to a new survey from Spring and Autumn Fair and Save The High Street.org. Some 63.4% of respondents cited reduced customer spending and footfall as their greatest challenge, followed by competition from online platforms (57.4%) and increasing employment costs (39%). Rent rises (21.1%), business rates (14.7%) and limited high street regeneration fun…