Rosanna Heasman is the owner of an eco and refill shop, The Store on St Cuthbert’s Street. As a fellow independent retailer announces its closure, Rosanna asks the question, ‘What do we truly want from our high streets?’
“We need more shops in Bedford.” “What is there to come into town for anymore?”
I’ve been seeing these online comments a lot recently, and as a Bedford business owner, it’s made me question what we all want from our high streets and town centres.
Would more shops draw people back in, or has the convenience of Amazon Prime overtaken our desire for high street shopping?
Do we like the aesthetic of a high street full of attractive businesses, but in reality is it a case of longing for the past and what we’ve lost?
Small business costs
I’m a small business owner, so that will change my perspective, but as an independent retailer, I want to share some thoughts.
Without now benefitting from the historic footfall of larger anchor stores like Debenhams, M&S and Beales, we are much more reliant on our own promotion to draw people in and that’s a tall order for small businesses.
Running a small food and retail business comes with high overheads.
When you purchase from a local shop like The Store, you’re not just purchasing a product – you’re supporting all the behind-the-scenes costs that keep us running: rent, bills, staffing, training, stock management, display upkeep, licences, subscriptions, and last but not least, the owner’s salary.
These expenses add up, and there’s only so much we can adjust our pricing before we risk outpricing ourselves in the market.
With empty retail units and an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime, it can be difficult to create an inviting shopping experience. The rise in theft and damages only adds to the pressure on my already tight margins, making it feel like an uphill battle just to survive.
Current landscape
Shopping in person offers an experience that no online platform can replicate – expert advice, friendly interactions, and a sense of community that builds relationships and strengthens our local economy.
Maybe I’m living in the past, but I believe a town full of thriving independent shops and some well-known chain stores should be enough to attract customers. Add to that Bedford’s museums, beautiful riverside and food and drink offerings, and it’s a no-brainer.
But I see a lack of vision for our high street, strategy and creativity that makes me doubt whether our council even sees our value or is trying to push us out. It’s not kept tidy, it doesn’t feel safe and the lack of vision for shop selection feels drab.
I have customers who ‘make the effort’ to come in to support our independent shops, but also resorting to soulless retail parks with free parking. I wonder if we put more effort into our high streets, whether we would see them flourish again or if I’m stuck in the past.
I don’t want people to feel like they have to ‘make the effort’ to come to town, but instead wish it was more rewarding. I think if we tried it could be.
Bringing value to the community
Yet, despite these challenges, we continue because we believe in the value we bring to our community. From expert guidance offered by our staff to the creation of spaces that foster community connections, small businesses contribute immeasurably to the character, creativity, culture and vibrancy of our towns.
I’d like to see more active support, or dare I say funding, from the council to help encourage visitors in.
If our high streets and town centres still have space for us, how do we ensure they remain a place where small businesses can thrive?
I fear we will become a collection of empty storefronts and missed opportunities, with struggling businesses and a fading community.
And I wholeheartedly believe that’s not what we collectively want.
by Rosanna Heasman
Owner of The Store, St Cuthbert’s Street
