CACI data reveals UK locations where independent operators have thrived

CACI, the consumer and data solutions specialist, has conducted special research for Independent Retailer Month, revealing which UK locations have embraced independent retail the most since 2019. CACI have used their location intelligence platform, Centre Dynamics, to analyse a range of destinations such as city centres, shopping malls, and regional towns, highlighting shifts in provision and geographical trends for independents.

The data shows that regional malls have proven to be a hotspot for independent brands, with 36% increasing their provision, and 0% decreasing, compared with 2019. 31% of outlet centres have also increased their offer, closely followed by 29% of suburban centres, while city centres are amongst the best locations for not losing out on independents, with only one across the entire country – Belfast – having a smaller proportion now than it did 4 years ago. 

CACI have also identified strong regional trends, with London locations the most likely to have lost some independent retailers, as 22% of destinations reduced their independent retail composition. That said, London as a whole has managed to uplift independents by approximately 2%, equating to around 15 operators per centre. Although London has the highest number and proportion of independents across all regions, there has been a stronger swell of support since 2019 for local brands in the north, with 32%, 28%, and 26% of Northeast, Northwest, and Scotland destinations respectively growing their independent visibility.

Olivia Longmore, Senior Consultant in Location Analytics at CACI, said: “There is a clear indication that shopping centre owners see local independent brands as the best way to rebalance their offer and up visitor engagement; historically it would certainly have been weighted to more household names. It’s also interesting to see that city centres have managed to not lose out on independent operators as part of their overall tenant mix, which suggests that these brands are resonating more with people post-pandemic, as office-led locations push for new and exciting ways to attract workers during the week.

“Historically there have been fewer independents in the North of England, but the region is now catching up with the rest of the UK, which could be inspired by the post-pandemic emphasis on ‘love local’. It is great to see that more and more destinations are embracing independent retail in any case, in an effort to diversify their offer and appeal to a wider range of consumers.”

This news follows a series of changing consumer patterns in the leisure sector identified by CACI’s new platform, Brand Dimensions, highlighting the growth of competitive socialising concepts and the decline of cinema.