{"id":49416,"date":"2026-04-07T09:19:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/?post_type=knowledge&p=49416"},"modified":"2026-04-08T07:41:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T07:41:53","slug":"endangered-high-street-businesses","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/endangered-high-street-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"The UK’s most endangered high street businesses revealed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

New research from Simply Business reveals the 10 most endangered high street businesses in the UK. Based on the latest Office for National Statistics data, the Simply Business Endangered List highlights the independent shops at the greatest risk of disappearing. And the clock is ticking for some of our most familiar local retailers.*<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK high street is going through a period of intense change. Independent shops and local businesses face mounting pressures from rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and unpredictable economic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many small business owners, understanding these trends can be a vital part of staying ahead of the curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These findings paint a stark picture for the everyday shops that form the backbone of local communities. From newsagents and corner shops to pubs and butchers, these businesses give our high streets their character. Understanding which sectors are most vulnerable can help you navigate the market and make informed decisions for your own business<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shoe shops named most endangered high street business<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shoe shops have been named the most endangered independent business on Britain\u2019s high street. Footwear and leather goods retailers now face extinction as early as 2037 if current rates of decline continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the threat goes far beyond a single sector. Up to 113,350 high street businesses could be at risk of closure in the next 20 years if current rates of decline continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newsagents are the second most at-risk category, with a predicted extinction date of 2038. Pubs and bars follow close behind, potentially facing last orders by 2041.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re also seeing off licences, butchers, and greengrocers enter the top 10 for the first time. This signals that the threat is spreading to a wider range of community staples.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The top 10 endangered businesses in 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our research reveals the predicted extinction dates for 10 independent high street staples. If current trends continue, these businesses could vanish entirely over the next two decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Shoe shops and leather goods (2037)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Newsagents and stationers (2038)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Pubs and bars (2041)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Electrical appliance stores (2041)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Off licences (2041)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Furniture and homeware shops (2043)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Tech and PC shops (2043)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Butchers (2044)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Greengrocers (2045)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Clothing stores (2047)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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      Glimmers of hope for some sectors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      While the data highlights significant challenges, there are some positive signs for high street businesses. Certain sectors are showing resilience and fighting back against the downward trend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Pubs and bars have seen their projected extinction date extend from 2035 to 2041. Electrical goods stores \u2013 last year’s most endangered business with an extinction date of 2029 \u2013 have also gained over a decade. They are now forecasted to survive until 2041.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      While the direction of travel is encouraging in places, these businesses remain firmly on the endangered list. The overall picture is one of a high street still very much under threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Read more:<\/strong> Small businesses must adapt to change on the high street \u2013 here’s how<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

      The big picture on high street survival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      These numbers reflect broader economic challenges. Independent retailers must navigate a complex landscape of rising operational costs, supply chain issues, and fluctuating customer demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The upcoming rise in business rates<\/a> poses an obstacle for independent retailers. Government policy changes have a direct impact on the high street, forcing small business owners to adapt quickly to protect their profit margins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Staying informed on these shifts gives you the context you need to build a resilient business. When you know the risks facing different sectors, you can adjust your own strategy to stay competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u2018High streets could soon become unrecognisable\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business, said: \u201cAs they continue to battle against rising operational costs, independent retailers are set to face another price hike this April as business rates increase. While they continue to show remarkable tenacity in the face of economic challenges, our research reveals the difficult road that lies ahead for some of our favourite shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cThese are the businesses that give our high streets their character and our communities their identity. Providing insurance for nearly one million small businesses and landlords, we understand the increasing pressure they are under and the support they need if they are to thrive. Without it, our high streets could soon become unrecognisable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Help protect your high street shop<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Understanding market trends is the first step toward protecting your business. Consider using this data to rethink your strategy, diversify your income streams, and find new ways to connect with your local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Having the right protection in place can also be a crucial part of building resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Whether you need shop insurance<\/a>, employers’ liability insurance<\/a>, or cover for your stock<\/a>, you can compare quotes from leading insurers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Promotion<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n