Hope for the High Street

IS tHe High Street doomed? the internet, including click and collect and the websites of High Street retailers, accounts for only a fraction of retail sales. We are still a nation of shopkeepers.

However, the High Street is facing a perfect storm brought on by the government’s lack of understanding, which has seen it increase business rates, rent and the living wage.

Some internet sites trade offshore so they have no legal obligation to collect and pay VAt, and don’t pay UK corporation tax or full business rates. this gives them a massive price advantage over the bricks and mortar retailers.

this is not sustainable for our economy. the shops and business that do pay tax are shutting down, which will result in HMRc taking in less money.

the government needs to target offshore internet retailers. this would allow all the little book shops and independents to open again, paying wages to full-time employees, rather than relying on zero-hours contracts, and this would contribute to the local community.

We need a retail sales tax to replace VAt, corporation tax and business rates and to level the playing field. How many people would buy from websites if the prices were the same as the High Street?

NEIL COOPER, London W1. We ARe told the High Street is in decline because of high rates and parking restrictions. What about poor service by staff with an indifferent attitude to selling to you?

Wedding dress shops would close if they did not offer advice and a personal service, so why can’t other shops adopt the same attitude? Sales assistants should be trained to know their stock and how to engage with customers.

this would mean people would not walk into a shop, see what they like and then go home to buy it online.

the proof that this approach really works is independent shops. the owners are friendly and work hard to get a sale, and the customer feels pleased with their purchase and enjoys a shopping experience that was once the norm.

RON GODFREY, Claygate, Surrey.