A new study by discount code website, Savoo, takes an in-depth look at the Great British High Street, exploring the current state of retail, consumer attitudes towards shopping and what we can expect as a result of these attitudes in the coming years.

Our spending habits have changed drastically over the last 18 months as the world of retail has been forced online as a result of the global pandemic. Now the high street has reopened, only 42% (-16% since the pandemic) of consumers have returned to shopping from their weekly.

Alongside the ever-growing takeover of the digital world, the retail sector has transformed significantly to appeal to a new kind of consumer, with high-street shops and the way we purchase goods set to never be the same.

But what is the current state of retail across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world?

The retail sector makes up just 34% of the UK high street on average
The high street is no longer just a shopping haven. Today, we see former retail space being used to fulfil other purposes, including housing and office space. On average, housing makes up the largest part of the high street (53%) with retailing following behind, occupying 34% of the UK high street.

One area that has been heavily affected by retail closure is East Northamptonshire. Over a three-year period, the region experienced a 35% loss of retail stores on the high street.