Independents on the rise after collapse of big chains

INDEPENDENT butchers, bakers, fishmongers and bookshops are beating the recession as consumers put their faith in traditional high street shops.

New figures show the numbers of independent retailers increased by 5.6 per cent during the second half of last year, compared with a rise of only 1.2 per cent in the number of big chains.

The numbers of independent retailers closing their doors has also fallen, from 6.3 per cent in the first half of 2009 to 5.4 per cent in the second half of the year.

While it was a bad year for off licences, boutiques and childrenswear shops, the numbers of bookshops, high-street beauty salons and specialist food suppliers increased.

Matthew Hopkinson, director of research firm The Local Data Company, which produced the figures, said: "Butchers and bakers have benefited from the explosion of convenience stores which, despite offering cheap alcohol and a broad selection of groceries, don't offer the kind of quality or personal touch many want from these products."

Jane Wood, chairwoman of capital traders group Essential Edinburgh, said: "It doesn't surprise me that there is a move back to the high street. I think retail on the high street is at the heart of the community."

Richard Dodd, spokesman for the Scottish Retail Consortium said: "These figures go some way to showing that consumer confidence is increasing and that things are better than before. Smaller retailers are a really important part of our overall retail mix – particularly in town centres – where a range of shops shows how successful the town is and brings people in.

"What these figures show is that where an independent retailer is able to offer something that is different from the competition then they will do well."

The Local Data Company reported that the numbers of butchers and fishmongers had increased by 11.6 per cent – with new halal butchers accounting for 16 per cent of new butchers shops. The numbers of independent bookshops were said to have increased "significantly", due partly to the closure of the Borders chain.

Kevin Ramage, owner of The Watermill bookshop in Aberfeldy, which won the independent bookshop of the year award in 2009, said: "These figures reflect what we have found. If you want service and you want a personalised approach then independents are very appealing, because we really know our customers and what they want."

During the 12 months leading to June 2009, estate agents Colliers CRE reported that retail rents fell by an average of 11.5 per cent – helping to ease financial conditions for small businesses.

Mike Riley, joint chief executive of Local Shopping REIT, a major landlord, said: "We are a nation of shopkeepers and time and again we see the entrepreneurial spirit of the British retailer.

"We have seen a number of sweet shops opening up to take advantage of the demise of pick'n'mix from Woolworths and similarly, following the closure of the Thresher Group, experienced managers have taken over those units proving they can provide a better service.

"Not only do they know what they can sell their goods for, but they know their market inside-out and have a lot greater control over their costs."