Hybrid high streets

Changes are sweeping the nation’s high streets and the public is noticing! Most (52%) have already seen a rise in the multi-purposing of services in our local area, with 54% saying they expect to see more.

Walking to the local shop for an apple crumble for dessert can now also include heading to the back of the store to return that top which definitely looked better online!

In fact, the most common examples of multi-purposing seen in the UK are Post Offices which double as shops (52%), convenience stores which can also be used for parcel drop off and collection (42%), and supermarkets incorporating a pharmacy (40%).

Newcastle Building Society, who commissioned the research, is adopting this trend to help keep high streets alive, whilst maintaining crucial in-person interaction with their customers.

Aston spoke to Stuart Miller from Newcastle Building Society and The High Streets Task Force.

Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash