New initiative to "Save the High Street" launches in UK

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Aug 9, 2016

Interactive Media Retail Group (IMRG), Tech City and PocketHighStreet are some of the founding partners behind a new initiative, Savethehighstreet.org, which launches in the UK on August 10.

The founders are working in partnership with the Digital Garage from Google, and the aim is to "support and empower" local shopkeepers all over the country. Save the High Street also wants to help the high street become more connected, digitally enabled and more sustainable.

In the next 12 months, it hopes to engage 125,000 retailers nationwide. In the UK today, a number of local shops fight for their survival; just last year, 45,000 closed down.

James Roper FRSA, Chairman & Founder, IMRG – the UK e-commerce association, said: “High Streets must change to remain relevant in the internet age, but most don’t know how to and need a lot of help. I am pleased to see SaveTheHighStreet.org arriving to bring a centralised, substantial solution that can directly enable all local retailers to fully engage in the digital economy. For ecommerce and the digital high street to become the means to a wealthier, safer, fairer, caring culture – all of its participants need to be involved in helping shape it.”