Independent retailers are “on the brink of disaster” as store owners grapple with rising crime rates and soaring costs.
According to a survey by the Federation of Independent Retailers, 96% of small shop owners said they are finding it harder to keep their businesses afloat due to increasing retail crime levels, steep energy costs and government tax hikes, This is Money reported.
Since the beginning of 2025, a third of these independent retailers have recorded an increase in crime.
In February, the British Retail Consortium’s annual crime survey found incidents of violence and abuse climbed 53% to over 2,000 per day in 2024, spanning racial abuse, sexual harassment and physical assault.
Meanwhile, 95% of those surveyed are concerned shoppers will move their tobacco and e-cigarette purchases to other traders as the government's ban on the sale and supply of single-use disposable vapes came into force on 1 June.
“We have repeatedly warned the government in no uncertain terms that independent retail is on the brink of disaster unless our industry receives support,” said Federation of Independent Retailers national president Mo Razzaq.
Last week, nationwide partnership of business representatives High Streets UK warned flagship high streets are also at “serious risk” without urgent national action on retail crime.
It set out a four-point policy proposal to tackle prolific offending, business crime, antisocial behaviour and organised criminal activity, with key recommendations including a ringfenced policing uplift in and around flagship high streets, developing a clear plan for criminal justice system reform, and a co-ordinated nationwide multi-agency approach to tackling organised crime.
No comments yet