As the heart of its community, the high street is an institution in its own right in the UK. It’s the place where you meet friends for morning coffee, pick up newspapers from the corner shop, find gems in the charity shop and generally potter around on Saturdays. But the pandemic has put a stop to a lot of those daily meanderings - and, what’s worse, has had a devastating effect on shop owners and retail workers.
Lockdown might be easing, but the high street is still suffering from the effects of the pandemic. According to The Guardian, 17,500 chain store outlets disappeared from the high street last year. The newspaper also reported data from the Local Data Company (LDC), a research provider working for PwC, with the stark finding that an average of 48 shops, restaurants and other hospitality venues closed permanently every day across England, Wales and Scotland.
And the fallout is that women that have been hit the hardest, according to research from the University of Cambridge, which says that more women are likely to have experienced job loss and wage drops since the pandemic took hold in comparison to men.
So in preparation for non-essential shops reopening on 12 April, if the roadmap goes to plan, we’re doing everything we can to support local shops. We're launching our very own campaign, Save Our Shops, and we want your help to make this happen.
All you have to do is tag your favourite independent high street shop underneath our post on Instagram, and we’ll be spotlighting the results online and in next month’s high street issue. Ready, set, tag!
SHOP: The Best High Street Wedding Dresses UK
It's all about the detail on this dress from the lace peplum over lay to the diamanté trim.
A cap makes an excellent addition to your wedding day dress, go on, float about that venue.
An ideal addition to and sleeveless gown or top, for those who want a little extra arm coverage, changing up their wedding day outfit or are simply a little chilly.
A pure silk crop top with spaghetti straps, fancy something other than an ivory gown? A two piece is the chicest Bridal outfit out there.
Something you'll be able to wear time and time again, a classic wide leg cut is seriously flattering, too.
The trademark cut out lace of Self-Portrait makes an ideal bridal outfit.
Tulle tiers and a one shoulder style are an instant update.
A Bardot neckline could potentially be the most flattering out there.
The vintage feel of this dress makes it feel like one-of-a-kind.
A deep plunging neckline and embroidery give a relaxed boho feel.
An easy breezy style that would look just as good at a beach wedding as it would a town hall ceremony.
A tux style mini makes the ultimate cool-girl alternative to a wedding gown.
Rixo's debut bridal line has been a roaring success – and it's not hard to see why. This feather-trimmed style would be perfect for a registry office wedding.
Super simple, super chic; the fashionista wedding dress.
This dress is as demure as it is pretty and you could even shorten it after the wedding so you can wear it again.
If your style is more glam than traditional bride, this gown is a great option.
A flutter sleeve is the ultimate flattering style.
A big bow makes a great plus one (Groom aside).
Add a little pizzazz to your wedding day with a floor length sequin gown.
Square necklines are currently one of the most sought-after details on wedding dresses. This Whistles gown has nailed it.
If you're looking for something dramatic that's still affordable, BHLDN is the place to go.
Feathers may not be a bridal staple but Lena's more than able to tempt you away from tradition, with glamorous silk jacquard, responsibly sourced ostrich plumes and a flattering miniskirt.
This is a glorious dress that would work for a civil ceremony, dinner the night before or even a second outfit.
It's hard to believe this dress is under £150. It will look lovely as it is or, if you want a more traditionally bridal look, add a long veil.
Cut to a shorter length, this floral lace dress features a tiered skirt with feminine border trims.
This dress looks far more expensive than the price tag would suggest thanks to the intricate detail.
Get on the rental hype.