A high street in a West Yorkshire market town has been crowned among the best in the UK for independent shopping – can you guess where?
Market Street/Bridge Gate in Hebden Bridge was included in the top 10 hotspots, according to new data published by American Express Shop Small.
It comes as the experts revealed the nation’s favourite places for independent shops, showcasing the small businesses and the valuable role they play in their local communities.
American Express partnered with retail experts GlobalData to identify the top high streets for independent shops through ranking factors such as the number of independent outlets, variety of business types and vibrancy of the high street.
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The list also took into consideration the number of Gen Z and Millennial independent business owners (those aged between 18-43) in each location, factoring in how these younger generations are investing in the future success of UK high streets.
Across the top 10 hotspots, on average over a third (36%) of all business owners are in these age cohorts.
The research identified bustling St Mary’s Street in Stamford, Lincolnshire, as Britain’s top hotspot for independent shops – scoring highly across all the factors and delivering a unique experience for shoppers.
But how did Hebden Bridge's high street rank? Let’s find out.
Top 10 UK hotspots for independent shops revealed
Market Street/Bridge Gate in Hebden Bridge was listed in fourth place, beating the likes of the historical Bailgate in Lincoln and The Lanes in Norwich.
See the full list as published by American Express below:
- St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire
- Devonshire Street / Division Street, Sheffield, Yorkshire
- Gloucester Road, Bristol
- Market Street / Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire
- Stoke Newington Church Street, Hackney, London
- High Street, Narberth, Pembrokeshire
- Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester
- Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
- Byres Road, Glasgow
- The Lanes, Norwich, Norfolk
UK High Street Shops That No Longer Exist
Recommended reading:
- 'Tranquil' West Yorkshire woodland among UK's most dog-friendly forest walks
- ‘A hive of artisan shops’ - West Yorkshire town has one of UK’s best high streets
- Where are the best market towns to visit in West Yorkshire? Some of the prettiest
Dan Edelman, general manager of merchant services at American Express, commented: “Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting local economies up and down the country, and it’s pleasing to now see their impact beyond the high street.
“Through our Shop Small campaign and support of Small Business Saturday we’re proud to be championing and shining a spotlight on the diverse and vibrant independent businesses who help our local communities thrive.”
What's your favourite independent shop in Hebden Bridge? Let us know in the comments below.
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