Many Brits want more small businesses to open stores on high streets, VistaPrint research

New research conducted by VistaPrint flags growing demand for independent shops on UK high streets.

VistaPrint surveyed 2,000 UK adults in August 2025 and found 45% visit their local high street at least once a week. 36% said their high street is busier than it was a year ago and 85% want to see more small businesses opening stores.

Survey respondents feel that independent businesses help create jobs, improve the community and improve the appearance of town centres.

Alongside the research, VistaPrint is also launching its Realising the Remarkable grant programme alongside small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation. The scheme aims to help small businesses grow with individual grants worth between £5,000 and £30,000.

Sabine Levellier, VP of Marketing at VistaPrint, says: “We see every day the impact small businesses have on the communities they serve. This research shows that demand for physical stores is growing again, which is a positive sign for the future of UK high streets. We know that first impressions matter and the role of storefront marketing has never been more important. 

“Now in our third year of the Realising the Remarkable campaign with Enterprise Nation, we’re proud to continue supporting more entrepreneurs, because when small businesses succeed, our high streets and local economies succeed too.”

Investing in high streets

A third of UK consumers would like to be rewarded for investing in local businesses with loyalty programmes and digital rewards. This was a higher priority that other perks such as free wifi (which 30% said they would like to see), click and collect (28%) and contactless payment (28%).

UK consumers were also in support of government support such as cheaper rents (54%), lower business rates (46%), and tax relief for brick and mortar stores (32%).

Aaron Asadi, CEO at Enterprise Nation, says: "The entrepreneurs behind independent commercial outlets and stores are the true heroes of our high streets. They provide the services we need and a sense of community that makes us all feel better and more positive.”

““Realising the Remarkable is about recognising the relentless work these individuals do every day in challenging circumstances and that fact that the British public is getting behind that could be exactly what our local economies need.” 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.