Gen Z and millennial shoppers are emerging as some of the most frequent visitors to UK retail stores, particularly in fashion, as per a recent research from physical retail analytics firm Retail Next. The research shows, around 40 per cent of UK consumers visit non-food stores weekly, with Millennials leading at 46 per cent for weekly store visits.

Surveying over 1,000 UK shoppers, the research reveals, over 28 per cent respondents were twice more likely to visit apparel stores weeklythan average UK consumers. Over 34 per cent of respondents reported visiting stores 1.7 times more frequently than average shoppers, while 25 per cent of Millennials also visited these stores weekly at a rate 5 per cent higher than the average.

Gary Whittemore, Head -Sales (EMEA & APAC), Retail Next, notes, embracing physical retail for reasons beyond social commerce, younger consumers are turning to in-store shopping as a way to enjoy authentic shopping experiences, connect with brands face-to-face, and engage with communities in real life, he explains. They are leading the store revival both in the UK and the US, choosing physical stores as their preferred shopping channel, he adds.

The research further highlights, 71 per cent of respondents sought greater support for these businesses in the recent Budget, with 75 per centurging the government to prioritise high street retailers specifically. Additionally, 70 per cent of UK consumers called for rate cuts for these physical retailers to help level the playing field with online competition.

Despite predictions of the High Street’s decline, physical retail continues to be a vital part of the shopping experience, with even online-first brands investing in physical spaces, adds Whittemore.