Online-only sellers are delivering a much-needed boost to the British high street through a growing network of pop-up spaces. Some experts believe the rise of online retailers is to blame for the demise of the high street, but pop-up space specialist Sook, says many online-only sellers are now using short-term physical stores to complement and grow sales and brand awareness.
The company says brands can now rent a space across towns and cities in the UK on a daily, weekly or even hourly basis, paving the way for a high street renaissance driven by online independents. Sook chief executive John Hoyle said: “While many see chain stores pulling out of our high streets as a sign of high street decline, we see it as progress.
"Those generic stores were the product of short-termist and misguided policies and were simply reinforcing mediocrity. What we’re seeing happen now is very, very different. By reimagining our high streets, we can ensure independents have the ability to innovate and effect sustainable change.”
