This year’s festive season was far from merry for Britain’s high streets. Footfall was down for the second successive year by 2.2 per cent. Cost of living pressures, low consumer confidence, the inexorable rise in online shopping and even poor weather combined to leave retailers facing a harsh reality: thousands of closures are expected in 2025.

But having ventured to the sales this weekend, I do think there is something glaringly obvious that will get us back to the high street.

When did you last walk into a shop and feel truly valued? Poor customer service is a deal breaker. Polite, well-trained, and knowledgeable staff can transform shopping trips into experiences that online cannot provide. And while I........

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