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Market towns, independent retailers and local authorities are fighting back against tough trading conditions, competition from big out-of-town shopping hubs and the turning of city centres into clone towns.

Local ‘retail hubs’ are coming together across Britain to request specialised high-street audits of their retail offer, giving a comprehensive assessment of the shops and services provided and insights into how to improve the customer experience.

The intelligence gathered helps to maintain, invigorate and encourage vibrant local economies to ensure independent retailers can thrive alongside big retail names on the flagging high streets. Called the ‘Skillsmart Retail Location Model’, these audits have been carried out in over 80 shopping hot spots across the country in areas as diverse as Exeter, Stratford-upon-Avon, Ludlow, Maesteg and Camden, London.

The findings today revealed Rugeley in Staffordshire as having Britain’s best mystery shopping results.

For further information please contact:
paul.hamilton@tvcgroup.com
020 7535 5800
daisy.wallace@tvcgroup.com
0207 535 5800