Shopping trends have weaned many consumers off the high street, while larger online retailers don’t pay business rates based on their physical presence. As a result, high streets have experienced lower footfall levels during the pandemic. Only Stores Will Make Appearance on UK High Streets.

But if traditional retail brands collaborate with ecommerce brands and embrace technology, the UK high street is here to stay.

ASOS

The online fashion giant ASOS has been able to dominate the UK market with a unique business model. Its integrated digital platforms, efficient supply chain, and low price strategy have helped it achieve great success. The company is able to offer its customers a stress-free shopping experience and showcase a wide range of trending products.

Unlike other retail chains, ASOS does not focus on ephemeral fashion trends and instead prioritizes its offerings to reflect the needs of their customers. This approach has helped them gain a loyal following among 20-somethings. It also enables them to provide the best prices for their products and build brand loyalty.

However, the online retailer is facing challenges from rising raw materials and labour costs. As a result, ASOS recently reported a loss as shoppers tightened their belts. It also expects shoppers to cut back on fashion purchases in the future. This could be an opportunity for traditional high street retailers to collaborate with e-commerce brands and create more in-store experiences.

H&M

H&M is one of the world’s leading fashion retailers, offering high-quality clothes and other items at reasonable prices. Its business model has been successful in the past, but it is facing several challenges. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in lost sales, and the company’s prices have risen significantly. These increases have increased the company’s operating costs and impacted profit margins.

In response to these challenges, H&M is testing a new store concept in Manchester. This new concept will allow customers to shop carefully curated capsule collections while the stores undergo rebuilds. It will also feature click and collect lockers and a dedicated online activation area.

In addition, the company is working to improve its supply chain. It is partnering with sustainable brands to improve living wages and protect workers. The brand is also encouraging its customers to recycle more. This will help reduce the company’s environmental footprint and increase profitability. This will ensure long-term growth for the company and provide a better future for the planet.

Uniqlo

Owned by Fast Retailing, the brand recently opened a flagship 20,500 sq ft store in London that includes their casual line alongside more formal New York label Theory.

UNIQLO is able to keep prices low by keeping product planning, design, and manufacturing in-house. They also only buy fabric in bulk, which enables them to negotiate better pricing with suppliers.

UNIQLO offers a range of smart technology to enhance the customer experience. Their app UNIQLO IQ is a digital concierge that can give customers personalised style recommendations and inspiration. They also offer a service that allows customers to have their clothes custom-fitted, which supports their brand promise of accessibility and comfort. The Strategist’s Casey Lewis loves their Ultralight Down jacket that folds up into a tiny portable pouch, perfect for bundling up while waiting in COVID-testing lines or for chilly days at museums. This sort of functional, utilitarian clothing is perfect for shoppers who are increasingly looking for brands with a purpose and a responsible supply chain.

Zara

The secret to Zara’s stratospheric success has been its ability to tap into trends and reproduce them in stores within a matter of weeks. This speed and its understanding of what its customers want (and when) have made it a firm favourite with people who love to keep up with fashion and don’t like the lead times involved in ordering clothes months in advance.

This enables the company to respond quickly and ensure its designers can design a new range with fabrics and trims that are in stock at its warehouses needs read more hear.