On Thursday 23rd of August, ITV aired 'Shopping: End of the High Street', which covered the deterioration of the UK high street, featuring several interviews, to understand what is being done to tackle the situation, including interviews with Holywell's own Ted Palmer (Sweeney Teds) and Helen Ryles (Tower Crafts).

The episode highlighted the general demise of the high street; with large names and department stores closing up shop, whilst smaller and more niche businesses face rising costs, along with additional pressures from chain stores.

It was argued that an increase in people shopping online, has had a serious impact on the way we choose to shop. Online shops such as Amazon and ASOS (whose overheads are significantly lower than those on the high street) are able to offer customers a range of products that can be found from the comfort of their own home.
However, some experts believe that online retailers do help to expose under-performers.

“When we think about the impact of Amazon on the high street, what springs to mind is this image of boarded-up shops. But I think Amazon has also been a force for good for the high street in that they've stamped out complacency. In retail today, if you don't differentiate from your rivals; if you're not relevant to your customers, you don't stand a chance. This is retail Darwinism, you evolve or die.” – Natalie Berg, Retail Analyst

The programme also demonstrated how some high streets are fighting back, with Holywell being one of them. Local business owners Ted Palmer and Helen Ryles were interviewed regarding their use of square's contactless card readers, and how retailers are benefiting from adopted this payment method. It also mentioned how local businesses have lobbied for the reopening of the street to vehicles, and the success of the current trial period.

The expert advice was the total rethink of high street dynamics, from retailers and the local government, to promote the space for socialising and providing customers with a unique experience. This included the likes of food festivals, markets, and other activities for all to enjoy.

How can we help?

Here at In or Around, our aim is to create a real buzz for the local community. We began this initiative to create a publication and resource for all things local; events & meetings, news, a business directory, and a space to celebrate the community in which we live.

We want to be able to support businesses, residents, and the local council in changing this community for the better and introducing new and innovative ideas for all demographics.

Our monthly magazine and dedicated website are a combined tool to help more residents in the CH8 catchment area.

Although social media is now an essential part of people's lives, these platforms can be subject to complex algorithms which means that unless we interact with pages on a regular basis, or pay to reach a larger audience, organic social media posts are often missed or 'diluted', even by your loyal followers.

By combining this with our monthly magazine, we can reach the CH8 catchment area specifically, so that businesses & residents alike can share useful information about the community, for the community.

Want to share local news with your neighbours? Promote an event, business, society or club? How about an idea, to bring the community closer together?

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