Worcester high street ranked in the top ten across Britain

The city beat both Liverpool and Manchester in the survey carried out by retail experts GlobalData

Sam McCarthy from Worcester BID says it's 'fantastic news' for the city
Author: Elliot BurrowPublished 9th Aug 2024

Research carried out across Britain asking consumers to pinpoint what they believe makes for a great high street has seen Worcester rank seventh on the list.

A study carried out by retail experts GlobalData along with American Express surveyed 2,000 people, with Queen Street in Cardiff finishing top.

Sam McCarthy from the Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) says it's amazing news for the city, and the independent businesses play such a vital role in its day-to-day life.

"I think what really makes any high street across the country is the community and the people here who make up the city," she said.

"We have over 65% independent businesses, and that's really special as it boosts against the national average, so with cost of living and Covid they were able to act and adapt their business plan really efficiently to keep trading.

"To have independent retailers who are family fun businesses, the community care and they support each other."

In the survey, Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool all finished below Worcester in the top ten list.

Katherine Parker-Jones is the director of board game themed cafe the Dice Box who have just recently celebrated their first birthday in the city as a business, and she says it's been great seeing how much the community have supported them over the 12 months.

She said: "It was a bit scary opening a new business, but Worcester is a great example of how high street chain stores and independent businesses can work together.

"There's a real vibrancy to the city and such a variety of shops, and it's a great community."

Manager of London Camera Exchange Worcester Russell Jones says the branch has seen plenty of change over the 40 years they've been there, but it's the whole city and the heritage it has which makes it a great place.

The survey was conducted during May this year.

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