Fifteen years ago, I was broadcasting live from the streets of Bradford for national TV discussing a stark reality: one in four high street shops had closed, writes retail expert Kate Hardcastle MBE.
The focus that day was on Bradford, as it was the city hit hardest by the retail decline (and was my grandparents home-city), but it could have been any Northern city grappling with the same forces – shifting consumer habits, economic downturns, and a retail landscape struggling to keep up.
The headlines were bleak, but even then, I believed in a different future one where our regional cities weren’t just an afterthought in boardrooms and business plans but recognised as the beating heart of Britain’s retail evolution.
READ MORE: Can fast fashion giant Boohoo turn around its fortunes – experts have their say
Fast forward to today, and we stand at another turning point. The retail landscape has evolved beyond recognition, driven by digital commerce, changing expectations, and the long shadow of economic uncertainty. Yet, amid this constant flux, something else has become clear: the North is not only surviving but proving itself as a powerhouse for innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilient consumer demand.
The platinum age of retail and the role of regional Britain
While conversations about the future of retail often centre on London or global markets, it is our regional cities that increasingly hold the key to long-term success. There is still untapped potential in the Northern cities that blend heritage and progress, communities that value local investment, and consumers whose loyalty is earned through authenticity, not just convenience.
Retail is entering what I call the ‘platinum age’ – a time when success is no longer dictated by scale alone but by meaningful connection, relevance, and localised experiences. The North embodies this shift, offering a blueprint for what retail can and should be.
Consider what is happening outside the M25: regional investment, infrastructure improvements, and an evolving consumer who expects world-class retail experiences on their doorstep – not just in flagship capital locations. Northern cities and towns should not be passive observers of retail’s evolution; they need to shape it, demanding more from brands and, in turn, creating opportunities for those willing to listen and adapt.
Time to talk up the North
For too long, investment decisions have reinforced a false narrative that high streets outside London are a risk rather than an opportunity. But that narrative is shifting, and brands that recognise the momentum in the North will be the ones to reap the rewards.
READ MORE: The Northern fashion brand on verge of administration
There is a strong case for businesses to refocus and commit to our brilliant British regional cities:
- Consumer demand is strong – The North boasts major retail hubs, aspirational consumers, and a growing appetite for brands that offer both value and experience. The reality? Consumers here don’t just shop locally because it’s convenient – they shop where they feel value and want to support their hometown.
- Regeneration is real – From city centre redevelopments to transport infrastructure projects, investment in the North is happening. But retail must be part of that story. We need brands that see beyond short-term cycles and invest in presence and place – and for that – there should be smart representation and conversations about the North in the boardrooms where it happens. I have spoken to regional Mayors and MP’s on this – but co-ordinating efforts can be frustrating.
- A thriving digital and physical mix – Ecommerce might dominate headlines, but the most successful retailers are those that understand blended retail seamlessly integrating online and offline. Regional cities offer a proving ground for this future, where physical stores aren’t just about transactions but engagement and loyalty-building.
A call to action for brands and businesses
Now is the time for retailers, investors, and policymakers to shift their mindset. The North is not a secondary market – it is a vital, vibrant retail landscape that deserves to be part of strategic growth plans.
This isn’t about sentimentality or nostalgia for the high street of the past; it’s about recognising that the future of retail depends on where consumers are and they are everywhere. The North is ready. The question is: are businesses ready to meet it – and where are the conduits, the ambassadors and the disciples of that Northern vision to co-ordinate the charge?
