Despite many challenging years for the UK high street and retail landscape, new research shows that Brits’ love for shopping independently has prevailed. Since 2018, Google searches in the UK for terms such as ‘independent bike shops’ and ‘independent bookstores’ have soared 270% and 376% respectively.
To champion shopping independently, South Western Railway analysed the number of independent shops in each town and city according to Indie Retail, and compared this against population figures to reveal where in the UK has the highest number of independent retailers per 100,000 people.
Find the full research here: https://www.southwesternrailway.com/where-next/things-to-do/uk-independent-retailers
Top 10 towns and cities with the highest volume of independent shops
| Rank | Location | No. of independent retailers per 100K people |
| 1 | Cambridge | 35 |
| 2 | Brighton and Hove | 24 |
| 3 | York | 22 |
| 4 | Norwich | 18 |
| 5 | Exeter | 17 |
| 5= | Bristol | 17 |
| 7 | Cheltenham | 16 |
| 8 | Bath | 15 |
| 9 | Ipswich | 14 |
| 9= | Preston | 14 |
Taking the top spot for independent shopping is Cambridge, celebrating 35 independent retailers per 100,000 people. It’s no surprise that a city famed for cycling can boast bicycle shops as its top sector, totalling 19 cycle shops in this area. Google searches in Cambridge for ‘local bike shops near me’ rose 600% between 2018 and 2022.
Brighton and Hove is the second biggest independent capital with 24 independent shops per 100,000 people. Known for its pebbled beach and quaint lanes, the city caters well to cycling and foodie fanatics totalling 11 and nine retailers respectfully. Time for a seaside cycle and some fish and chips!
York comes in at number three, with 22 indie shops per 100,00 people. It tells a similar story with 13 cycle shops, six food and drink establishments and five bookstores all independently run. Google searches for ‘independent retailers’ increased 100% in York from 2018-2022, suggesting the city’s residents are keen to support their small businesses.
Top 10 independent sectors in the UK
| Rank | Sector | No. of independent retailers |
| 1 | Cycling | 1675 |
| 2 | Literary | 868 |
| 3 | Food and drink | 793 |
| 4 | Music | 280 |
| 5 | Gift | 184 |
| 6 | Clothes | 124 |
| 7 | Home | 96 |
| 8 | Creative | 91 |
| 9 | Children’s | 61 |
| 10 | Convenience | 57 |
The great British love for cycling prevails as we celebrate this being the UK’s strongest independent sector, totalling 1,675 indie bicycle shops across the country. With the lockdown periods rekindling the nation’s fondness for cycling, Brits appear more engaged in initiatives like ‘cycle to work day’ as Google searches for this term have increased 22% between 2018 and 2022.
The research also discovered there are over 850 independent book shops to explore, so the nation’s bookworms can find their next exciting read.
As Brits are known for their fry ups, roast dinners and pub culture, there’s plenty of independent food and drink eateries to choose from as the research finds this is the third best performing sector with nearly 800 venues.
Despite the streaming revolution, 280 independent music stores can be found up and down the UK. Being the fourth most popular sector overall, this is supported by a renewed interest in old-fashioned mediums of music with searches for ‘independent record shops’ seeing a dramatic increase of 267% from 2018-2022.
Calli Ward, Head of Marketing at South Western Railway says:
“Nothing beats getting to know a city through the businesses and people that make it what it is. Being able to give back by supporting small, independent retailers is so important, no matter where you are in the UK.
“Whether you are visiting a new place, or discovering local gems, consider grabbing your next coffee, next gift for a friend, or new bike gear from an indie shop. There are plenty across the UK offering bespoke, independent shopping experiences who would no doubt appreciate your custom.”
