The cost of living crisis is a very real worry for the Bristol high street, with many local shops and businesses closing due to rising costs. But are locals concerned for the high streets future?
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00:00 The last few years have been no easy street for high streets across the nation.
00:07 No high street has remained untouched by the impact of the cost of living crisis and the
00:12 Covid-19 pandemic.
00:15 But what would locals like to see bought to the Bristol high street?
00:20 I think there's enough that I need, but just lots more shops need to be refilled, they're
00:25 too empty.
00:26 I don't know what people will need, but also it depends on parking whether people will
00:32 come.
00:33 So that's really all I've got to say.
00:35 A fresh butcher's, I think it'd be nice to have around here.
00:43 Maybe a proper greengrocer's instead of the pre-packs.
00:47 I think I would like that very much.
00:50 Instead of all these takeaways.
00:53 Well, kind of like around here it's not too bad because you've got the supermarkets and
01:00 all of that.
01:02 Like a deli or a local bakery or something would be good.
01:06 I think that would be the best.
01:08 Definitely banks, I'm lucky.
01:09 They've still got Lloyds Bank here, but most of the branches in the area are shut down,
01:14 so yeah, definitely that would be more helpful.
01:17 Yes, definitely chemists.
01:20 I mean since this day Lewis have closed, that one seems really ridiculous because everybody
01:32 is going to this one.
01:33 Obviously there's queues waiting for their prescriptions and they've got to wait five
01:41 to seven days.
01:42 I've just been in there now and I've put my prescription in nearly two weeks ago and it's
01:47 still not ready.
01:50 You've got to reorder it.
01:52 According to businessmoney.com, over one in three Brits actively support their local high
01:58 street, despite the cost of living crisis.
02:02 In the city of Bristol, Business Money found cafes were the most popular place to visit
02:07 on the high street, closely followed by charity shops.
02:11 But are locals concerned about the future of the high street?
02:14 It's quite sad when I saw Morrison's took over what was, when I first came here, an
02:20 independent thing.
02:22 And the other shops around here that are not doing so well, it's a shame.
02:28 But then we don't have much choice.
02:31 The high street stays are numbered really.
02:33 I think it's inevitable with everything moving more and more online.
02:37 I think it's a real pity because there's a social aspect to the high street and I think
02:41 we'll lose that.
02:42 Yeah, loads of things definitely moving online.
02:47 It's nice to go in and see what you're buying.
02:50 But yeah, no, definitely.
02:52 Quite happy when I hear that there are some places where the small businesses are still
02:57 thriving and that's good.
03:00 Only time will tell what the future holds for the Bristol high street.