How to run a successful high street business

However, local high streets are still a key feature of UK villages, towns and cities with many people valuing the benefits of local businesses. Research released earlier this year found that 85% of Brits want more independent firms on the high street, with almost half visiting their local shopping areas at least once a week. 

If you get it right and focus on experiences, great service and products that people love, you can make a big success inof high street retail.  

Read this guide for tips on how to do it.  

Choosing the right space 

Finding the right premises is key to making your high street business a success. Factors to consider include: 

• Size: Is the layout and size appropriate for what you need? Does the premises come furnished with items you can re-use or will you need to fully fit it out?  
• Location: Is the location right for the customers you’re targeting? Will you get the footfall you need? Are there nearby public transport services to encourage customers to visit you? 
• Contract terms: You must understand the terms of your contract such as how long the lease is for, whether you can get a rent-free period and if service charges will be imposed.  
• Other businesses: What other businesses are trading nearby? Some competition can be healthy but if there are already lots of similar businesses to yours, it could limit your sales. Also, are there any complementary businesses you could partner with? 
• Business rates and other costs: You’ll need to pay business rates so find out how much they will be from your local council. Other costs you need to consider include energy, broadband and insurance. You might also be responsible for maintenance and repairs to the property.

Pop-ups  

If you don’t want to invest in a permanent unit, pop-ups are a great way to launch a retail venture by trading temporarily from a space. They allow you to reach customers in high street locations at a lower cost than investing in a full- time shop and can be very useful for market research to help you develop your products.

To find a space, you could approach the owners of empty properties who might be willing to let you use it temporarily. You might be able to benefit from regulations introduced in December 2024 which allow local authorities in England to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been empty for long periods. Contact your local council for details.

There are also services you can use to find suitable venues, such as Appear Here, PopUp Finder, Storefront and We Are Pop Up. 

In several locations, there are projects to turn empty retail units into spaces for small businesses to trade from. Examples include Sparks Bristol, The Arcade Dewsbury and Ramsgate Space. 

Hybrid retail 

A hybrid approach to retail by having an off and online presence will give your business the biggest reach. As well as allowing customers to order via the internet, you can encourage people to view your products on social media or your website and then come to your store to buy them.  

You have several options for your online store such as using ecommerce services like Shopify, WooCommerce and Wix or by selling on marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, Folksy and Not On The High Street.  

You can use social media and a blog on your website to encourage visits to your physical store by posting content such as behind  –the- scenes videos or special offers. Offer a click-and-collect service that allows customers to order products online and pick them up in-store.  

Marketing your business

You have lots of options for marketing your high street premises and boosting footfall. 

Use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to highlight products, post behind the scenes content, promote special offers and generate reviews.  

As a founder of a small business, you can directly tell your story to customers, something which hard chains struggle to replicate. This helps to build trust and genuine human connections.

Encourage your customers to post online about their purchases with messages in store asking them to post and tag your social media handles.  

Make your premises “Instagrammable” and a space that customers want to post on social media about with visual techniques such as murals, neon signs, and interesting product displays.   

Online searches are incredibly important when it comes to people finding physical stores, so claim your Google Business Profile. Add your shop’s address and opening times. Keep it regularly updated with photos.  

Print advertising can still be effective for bricks and mortar shops, so ask local cafes, hotels, co-working spaces, etc. if you can display flyers and posters.  

Encourage repeat purchases with a loyalty scheme that rewards regular customers and get involved with local events, markets, festivals and charities. If your area has a Business Improvement District they will likely run events to promote local businesses.  

Partner with other nearby businesses on promoting each other’s products or services, and have eye-catching window displays and A-boards outside your premises.   

Customer service 

Delivering a brilliant in-person shopping experience will help make your business stand out. Providing a personalised service is an advantage small business can have over large high street chains.  

Focus on making visits to your store an enjoyable experience with a good first impression. Give customers a friendly welcome and be attentive to their questions but don’t go in for the hard sell. 

Ensure your staff are highly knowledgeable about all the products you sell and are friendly and approachable. 

Deal with complaints and issues quickly. Apologise and communicate transparently.      

Cash flow management  

Managing your cash flow is vitally important. 

Have a rolling cash flow forecast that you update weekly with sales and expenses. Also factor in costs such as business rates, staff salaries and supplier invoices.  

Manage stock effectively to avoid your money being tied up in unsold products. Track sales by product line and avoid over-ordering slow selling items.   

If you have challenging cashflow periods, consider funding options such as overdrafts, merchant cash advances and loans. You might also be able to access grants from your local council or other sources.  

Build a cash buffer of two to three months to cover costs like seasonal dips in sales, economic shocks and unexpected store repairs.  

Need support for your high street business? 

If you are launching or running a high street business in the UK, get the advice you need. Contact our team at TaxAssist Accountants today.

First published 10 Apr 2026

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This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.

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