The i paper reports how the surge in online shopping throughout the pandemic has been devastating for many small high streets already struggling to survive before Government-mandated shop closures

For traders in market towns in particular, who rely on the footfall of casual shoppers to stay afloat, the report outlines how even the current easing of lockdown restrictions has not provided them with the boost many had hoped for.

In smaller or more rural towns – where market stalls, independent shops and high streets are central to the local economy and community – businesses had been struggling to fight back against big retail even before the pandemic wiped out custom.

The paper interviews business owners in the West Midlands who said they desperately needed more regional support.

Full article:

i paper - ‘How can small shops survive this?’ West Midlands market towns desperate for local Government support