Businesses find new way to fight back against high street decline
A group of businesses is fighting back against high street decline with an innovation that is bringing customers into their shops and improving the area.
WeAreWaterloo, a collective of businesses in the SE1 postcode, has helped fund the restoration of 14 shop fronts in Waterloo which it says has increased footfall to the area by 20 per cent.
The latest figures from the British Retail Consortium reported one in 10 shops are now empty across the country, with vacancies reaching “critical levels” in all location types.
The financial impact of the Covid pandemic prevents many small businesses from spending money on their buildings, but WeAreWaterloo, which is funded by businesses in the area paying into a levy, has invested more than ÂŁ30,000 into renovations of shopfronts.
Sista Barista in Westminster Bridge Road was one of the shops that successfully bid for a grant.
Sista Barista owner Wendy Birch, 52, said: “I believe our daily turnover has increased by at least 20 per cent because the cafe is now much more noticeable and attractive to customers.
“Redesign was a great project and funded something I would not have been able to afford myself, especially when we are still recovering from the impact of Covid.
“We have received so many positive comments from regular customers and visitors”.
Each successful bidder was awarded ÂŁ5,000, including cafes, restaurants, beauticians, arts institutions and even a historic bookshop.
The results of this scheme can now be seen across Waterloo, with fresh pops of colour, planters full of greenery, spaces for outdoor dining, and professional signs have appeared across the neighbourhood.
The collective said the project has strengthened the local economy, promoted community engagement, and improved the visitor experience by creating a more “vibrant local area”.
The projects varied in their scope from lighting and security improvements to signage, repaints and even a floral display.
Applicants were encouraged to keep money in the local economy when carrying out their renovations.
Luis Gayol who owns The Calder Bookshop and Theatre in The Cut, said: “We had excellent feedback from customers about the new image of the shop and a very good summer of sales, we think the two facts are related.
“We are now able to keep more stock outside with the new canopy, even under heavy rain, which attracts more people to the shop. The grant scheme was a great experience overall.”
The success of the scheme has led to WeAreWaterloo extending applications with a second round of funding which is open until November 3.
Stanley Allen from Greensmiths Grocery and Deli in Lower Marsh said: “We have been able to completely refresh and reinvigorate our shop front in a way that wouldn’t have been possible without the Redesign grant.
“This has been a fantastic scheme and makes such a big difference to an independent business like ours.”
Pictured top: Sista Barista owner Wendy Birch outside a newly updated shop front (Picture: WeAreWaterloo)
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