High Street Revival: Christmas Shoppers Return to Traditional Shopping

After years of declining footfall and increasing competition from online retailers, the high street is experiencing a heartening resurgence this Christmas. 

Across the UK, bustling streets, festive shopfronts, and lively markets are signalling a shift in shopping habits as consumers rediscover the joys of in-person shopping.

The Appeal of the High Street at Christmas

There’s something undeniably magical about the high street during the festive season. Twinkling lights, carol singers, and the aroma of mulled wine create an atmosphere that no online retailer can replicate. 

For many shoppers, this year has been about embracing the Christmas spirit, and a visit to the high street offers an experience that goes beyond mere transactions.

High street shops are also leaning into the festive mood with creative window displays, in-store events, and personalised customer service. From local boutiques to big-name retailers, businesses are pulling out all the stops to entice shoppers back through their doors.

The Shift in Shopping Habits

This resurgence can be attributed to several factors:

Post-Pandemic Desire for Community

After years of lockdowns and social distancing, people are craving connection. The high street provides a sense of community that online shopping lacks. Local businesses, in particular, are benefitting as shoppers prioritise supporting their neighbourhoods.

Concerns About Delivery Delays

With postal strikes and ongoing concerns about supply chain disruptions, many shoppers are opting to buy in person to ensure their gifts arrive on time. The ability to see, touch, and take home purchases immediately is a significant advantage.

The Rise of Experiential Shopping

Retailers are enhancing the in-store experience with festive workshops, live music, and exclusive promotions. These events make a trip to the high street feel like a festive outing rather than a chore.

Sustainability and Localism

Shoppers are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of their purchases. Buying locally reduces carbon emissions associated with shipping, and high street shops often offer unique, handmade, or ethically sourced products that appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Challenges and Opportunities for the High Street

While the return to the high street is promising, challenges remain. Rising costs of living mean that many shoppers are cautious with their spending, and high street retailers must balance competitive pricing with maintaining quality.

However, this renewed interest provides an opportunity for high street businesses to innovate. By combining the convenience of online shopping with the charm of in-person experiences—through click-and-collect services, loyalty programmes, and social media engagement—retailers can sustain this momentum beyond the festive season.

A Bright Future for the High Street?

The high street’s revival this Christmas is a reminder of the enduring appeal of face-to-face interaction and the unique charm of shopping in person. As shoppers rediscover the magic of the high street, there’s hope that this trend will continue, breathing new life into town centres across the UK.

This Christmas, the high street isn’t just a place to shop; it’s a destination to celebrate, connect, and create memories. And that’s a gift worth cherishing.

Embrace the Spirit of Christmas: Take the That's Christmas £20 Challenge to Support Your Local High Street

As the festive season approaches, we’re all looking forward to gathering with loved ones, decorating our homes, and finding those perfect gifts. 

But amid the buzz and cheer of Christmas, there’s a chance to make a real difference to the places that matter most — our local high streets.

In recent years, high streets across the UK have faced challenging times, with online shopping and big chains often taking the spotlight. 

That’s where the That’s Christmas £20 Challenge comes in. We’re inviting you to spend at least £20 on your local high street this Christmas season to support independent shops, unique artisans, and local eateries.

Why Your £20 Matters This Christmas

You might be wondering, “What can £20 do?” When you shop locally, your £20 has an impact far beyond what you’d imagine. Every purchase helps small businesses thrive, creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and preserving the unique character of our towns and villages.

Imagine your local bookshop, family-run cafe, or the independent boutique that adds a special charm to the high street. They’re more than just places to buy things — they’re where we gather, make memories, and meet neighbours. By taking on the £20 Challenge, you’re helping keep these treasures alive.

Ideas for Your £20

Not sure where to start? Here are a few festive ways to put your £20 to good use on the high street:

Stocking Fillers & Small Gifts: Pick up some delightful stocking fillers or handcrafted gifts from your local artisan shop. Many independent retailers offer unique, one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find elsewhere.

Treat Yourself at a Local Cafe: Enjoy a cosy afternoon with a warm drink and a slice of homemade cake from a nearby cafe. Or take a break from shopping with a festive hot chocolate or mulled wine, or a pint of a specially brewed Christmas ale.

Support Local Grocers & Delis: Get the freshest produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods for your Christmas table by shopping at your local grocer or deli. It’s a delicious way to share the love this season.

Festive Décor from Independent Shops: From handcrafted ornaments to wreaths and candles, local shops are bursting with charming seasonal decorations to make your home extra festive.

Gift Vouchers: Many small businesses offer vouchers, which make wonderful gifts. Supporting local hairdressers, salons, and other service providers means you’re helping them keep doing what they do best.

Spread the Word and Make It a Movement

Taking on the £20 Challenge is not only about making a personal commitment to support local businesses; it’s also about inspiring others to join in. Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #ThatsChristmas£20Challenge, and encourage friends, family, and neighbours to shop locally too. Together, our small actions can create a big impact!

The Joy of Giving Back

There’s something uniquely heartwarming about knowing that your Christmas spending is helping real people within your community. Your £20 can be the difference that helps a small shop owner have a wonderful Christmas, provides a local artisan with a meaningful sale, or helps a family-run eatery keep their doors open.

So this Christmas, why not start a new tradition? Let’s keep the spirit of giving close to home and show our support for the high streets that bring so much character to our communities.

Join us in the That’s Christmas £20 Challenge — a small spend, but a gift of lasting impact. Happy Christmas shopping!

Gen Z Set to Uplift the UK High-Street Christmas onwards

As the Great British high-street continues to evolve, a generation of savvy, younger shoppers is breathing new life into brick-and-mortar retail stores from Christmas onwards.

According to the latest research by Lightspeed Commerce Inc. (NYSE | TSX: LSPD), the one-stop commerce platform empowering merchants to provide the best omnichannel experiences, the resurgence of in-person shopping is set to continue into 2025, driven by social media trends, and the rise of the 'Social First Shoppers’, defined as those who spot a trend on social media and visit in store to purchase.

The research has revealed that nearly eight in 10 Brits (79%) currently shop in physical stores, with four in 10 planning to increase their shopping on the high-street in the coming year. This offers optimism for the retail sector, as merchants look for ways to attract and retain consumers.

The research has identified four key shopper trends that could impact the British high streets in 2025.

Gen Z Could Help Uplift the High-Street in 2025

Gen Z are the most optimistic age group of the nation, with almost a quarter (24%) of Gen Zers spending more money now than they did 12 months ago, and with 28% saying they make more impulsive purchases, thanks to social media.

#TikTokmademebuyit reigns true as it is the platform with the biggest influence in social purchases amongst this age group (59%), followed by Instagram (53%), and Facebook (24%). 31% of Gen Z respondents will be influenced by what they see on social media and subsequently head to the high street to find the item they’ve seen on social media.

Shoppers Excited by AI-Enhanced Experiences

The research reveals a growing appetite for AI-powered shopping solutions among British shoppers, with 35% identifying as a ‘Personal Shopper’. These consumers look for curated, brand-driven shopping experiences, and 32% are comfortable with AI being integrated into their shopping experience.

Looking ahead to shopping in 2025, AI-powered personalised discounts top the list of what excites shoppers, with 39% looking specifically for tailored promotions. Other in-store innovations, such as self-checkouts (41%), and virtual fitting rooms (26%) are also seen as a pull for tech savvy shoppers.

Preloved Items are Increasing in Popularity

There’s a surge in second hand goods, with those under-45 being the most likely group to shop for pre-loved or reconditioned items, primarily driven by cost-effectiveness (61%) followed by environmental concerns (35%). With recurring fashion trends and growing opposition to fast fashion, nearly a quarter (24%) of shoppers are now buying second-hand or refurbished goods, which is set to continue into 2025.

The ‘Deals Shopper’ Takes Centre Stage

70% of consumers surveyed identify themselves as 'Deals Shoppers' meaning they actively seek out discounts, offers, and promotions, such as taking advantage of 2-for-1 deals (51%), switching retailers for better prices (39%), and waiting for sales (24%) before hitting the high street..

Liam Crooks, MD of EMEA at Lightspeed says, “It’s encouraging for retail businesses to hear that people are looking to shop in store next year, and even more exciting to know that they can make strides in converting business by taking steps to look at what ‘makes’ the shopper experience.

From simple and easier AI powered tech, to personalised deals and offers to show they really know their customer, and understanding the motivations around ethical purchases, retail in the UK can once again thrive in 2025.”

To learn more about Lightspeed, visit www.lightspeedhq.co.uk.

Rise of the ‘Deals Shopper’ Breathing Life into British High Streets for this Christmas

The most recent research by Lightspeed Commerce Inc., which is the one-stop commerce platform empowering merchants to provide the best omnichannel experiences, reveals that the high street could see a boost later this year, in the pre-Christmas period, with nearly eight in 10 of us (79%) surveyed shop in person and four in 10 are looking to increase how much they hit the high street shops this Christmas.

Lightspeed’s study captures the nation's feelings on the costs of products rising in the past few years, with 77% of respondents saying they believe rising prices for retailers, including energy bills and rent, are the main reasons behind increased prices. Over half (51%) of those surveyed didn't believe these price hikes were fair.

To counteract these rising costs, shoppers are adopting cost-saving measures like taking "2 for 1" deals (51%), changing their preferred retailers to find lower prices (39%), shopping less frequently than last year (38%), only shopping during sales periods (24%), and asking others what they want for Christmas and birthdays to avoid wasting their money (24%).

Apparently the most optimistic age group of the nation, almost a quarter (24%) of Gen Zers are spending more money now than they did a year ago, with 28% saying they make more impulsive purchases, thanks to social media, and nearly one third (32%) of Gen Z shoppers now shopping exclusively during sale periods to get the best deals they could.

#TikTokmademebuyit reigns true as it is the platform with the biggest influence in social purchases amongst this age group (59%), followed by Instagram (53%) and Facebook (24%), but despite this age group being the least likely to shop in store, 33% will be influenced by what they see on social media and subsequently head to the high street to find the item they’ve seen on their social media channels.

Adopting pre-loved items

Despite 62% of those surveyed saying they've never previously shopped in store for pre-loved or reconditioned items, almost half of respondents (46%) stated they were planning to consider the ethical and sustainable origins of a product before buying something new. 

With under 45s being the most inclined to buy reconditioned or pre-loved items, the primary reason for doing so is less ethically driven and more to do with the impact on their own pocket. 

Cost-effectiveness (61%) is seen as the top motivator followed by environmental concerns (35%), old items being seen as better quality than new items (29%), recurring fashion trends that have come round again (20%) and opposing fast fashion (19%).

How people feel about AI when they shop

When it comes to the use of AI during the shopping experience, the nation is currently split on how comfortable they feel about AI, with 32% stating they are somewhat comfortable to very comfortable with AI being part of the shopping experience and 35% saying they feel somewhat uncomfortable to very uncomfortable with it.

When asked about people’s direct experience with AI whilst shopping, it’s the need for speed that wins shoppers over, with 41% of respondents saying self check-out in more stores would enhance their experience the most. 

This is followed by people being more open to AI in stores that delivered personalised discounts to them (39%), personalised suggestions in-store (28%), recipe suggestions based on what’s in their grocery shopping (27%), virtual fitting rooms (26%), make-up shade matching (23%), and changing digital window displays (21%).

The emerging shopper typologies

When respondents were asked what type of shopper they are, a huge 70% identified as a ‘Deals shopper’, meaning they actively seek out deals, discounts and offers to gain bang for the buck, followed by 46% of shoppers stating they are ‘Last minute shoppers’ who like a speedy in store experience with attentive customer service, good stock availability and multiple store locations so they can get what they want, when they want it.

70% of their respondents say they are a ‘Deals Shopper’: I actively look for deals in store and sign up for offers and discounts that offer value for money. I’m less bothered about the in-store shopping experience, it’s all about getting bang for my buck!

46% of their respondents say they are a ‘Last Minute Shopper’: I purchase on the high street and want a speedy in store experience with attentive customer service, and I expect good stock availability and multiple store locations so I can get what I want, when I want.

35% of their respondents say they are a ‘Personal Shopper’: I like to schedule a shopping trip. I expect good customer service and I’m open to stores using AI to enhance my shopping experience, so it feels like it’s more personal to me. I buy into a brand and want to receive offers and in store experiences that are tailored to me.

32% of their respondents say they are a ‘Fair Share Shopper’: I actively search out second-hand pre-loved shopping experiences, and I value the ethical and sustainability of a brand and the items they stock. I expect sustainable materials to be used in packaging.

17% of their respondents say they are a ‘Social First Shopper’: I buy things ‘on trend’ and get inspiration from social media and then I might buy in store so I can experience it hands on before purchasing.

Says Liam Crooks, MD of EMEA at Lightspeed: “It’s encouraging for retail businesses to hear people are looking to shop in store in the second half of 2024, and even more illuminating to know they can make strides in converting business by taking steps to look at what ‘makes’ the shopper experience. From simple and easier AI powered tech, to personalised deals and offers to show they really know their customer, and understanding the motivations around ethical purchases, retail in the UK can once again thrive.”

To learn more about Lightspeed, visit www.lightspeedhq.co.uk.