Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading home, gift, and fashion trade show, is calling on independent retailers across the country to make their voices heard as part of its Retail Makeover Mission – a new campaign in partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.com to spotlight the urgent challenges facing Britain’s high streets.
In a sector under unprecedented pressure, this initiative invites independents to complete a short but powerful survey that will help shape a collective response to government and industry decision-makers. The results will form the foundation of a formal petition to government this September, championing the needs of independent retail. “Independent retailers are the heartbeat of our local communities,” says Autumn Fair Event Director Soraya Gadelrab. “But too often, their struggles go unheard. Through this survey, we want to understand exactly what support you need – and take that message directly to the people in power.”
The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete, with questions focused on:
- The biggest operational and financial challenges facing your business
- What you need to increase footfall and sales
- The role your shop plays in your community
- Your confidence in government support for independents
- The one policy change you’d ask government to make right now
- Whether you’ve considered closing your store due to pressures
Autumn Fair is inviting all UK-based independent retailers, whether bricks-and-mortar or omnichannel, to take part. Responses will be anonymous, but participants will have the opportunity to be featured in media coverage and campaign activity around Autumn Fair 2025 if they wish to.
“This is your chance to speak up and be counted,” says Gadelrab. “We need real action, not lip service, and that starts with honest feedback from retailers on the ground.” The Retail Makeover Mission will culminate at Autumn Fair this September at the NEC Birmingham, where survey results will be shared with press, policy advisors, and retail leaders. The campaign aims to drive practical, measurable change for a sector that continues to show creativity, resilience, and community impact, despite mounting pressures.
To take the survey: https://www.autumnfair.com/retail-makeover
