Falmouth Reflects New Look High Street Trends

Experian research published today, highlights that quality-led experiences and a fiercely independent new breed of innovative businesses are coming to the fore in a new look UK high street. 

And nowhere more so than in Falmouth, Cornwall, which is setting trends in terms of its high street template. Here, on the south coast, you will find a town centre that not only showcases exciting individual retailers, but is also viewed as a dynamic, creative and inspiring hub for a wide range of innovative businesses and sectors, from digital design agencies to superyacht manufacturers, marine renewables to gaming studios. It is viewed as a potential blueprint as to how the successful high street might look; one that encourages a sustainable live-work-play mindset, where collaborative businesses, exciting career options and an enviable lifestyle play out within an inclusive community, supported by an award-winning management team and located within a stunning natural coastal environment. 

The Experian data describes the rise for example, of dog-grooming salons, vegan eateries and micro-breweries, and Falmouth is certainly aligned with these trends. Over the past few years, several microbreweries have been a welcome addition to the mix, including Verdant Brewery which combines mouth-watering small plates inspired by its coastal location, washed down by vegan craft beers.

Furthermore, creative mashups, that see niche food and experience-led activities under one innovative roof, or ‘flexi-model’ businesses, where daytime themed cafés transform into evening drink-led venues, have sprung up across the town during Covid. 

Koala Karlous, opened last year, is one such business; a premium coffee and bagel house, which isalso home to a calming space where yoga sessions are facilitated.  Another is Scandinavian-inspired Solskinn Coffee and Cocktail Haus located in cultural arts centre, The Poly, which opened its doors this year with an offer of incredible, food and crafted cocktails by night and speciality coffee during the day. And launched this month, is Lawrance’s Bakery and Bar, which as the name suggests, imaginatively alternates between bakery and bar. 

The hairy business of dog grooming and pet products is also proliferating here as the town has seen several quality - and British product-led, outlets open in recent years. South Paw, described as a community hub for dogs, opened its doors on Falmouth’s high street in 2021. This well-curated, high end pet shop was launched by Desney Ryan, a former photographic director. Desney worked in the national press for over 20 years before lockdown made her reassess her life direction. Inspired by what Falmouth had to offer, she decided to launch her venture in the town and hasn’t looked back.

Richard Wilcox, Executive Director of Falmouth BID, Chair of Cornwall Towns and South West BIDs said: “Reviewing the Experian data was like witnessing how Falmouth has changed over the past few years. Many of the businesses in the town not only recognise that the ‘Great British High Street’ is evolving - an evolution greatly accelerated due to Covid but have cleverly adapted their offer to meet changing consumer demands and expectations. And the ‘Falmouth offer’ has attracted even more creative and entrepreneurial businesses and organisations to invest here in recent times. Falmouth town is now brimming with independent businesses, in fact, these now make over 75% of business community - many of whom are pioneering the experiential high street model.”

Richard continued, “The UK high street has always been a melting pot for ideas – a place where a myriad of business sectors and creative influences operate alongside multinational and independent retailers. And this continues to play a vital role in respect of community cohesion. We have much to be proud of and to celebrate here in Falmouth and across the region. Successful high streets and communities are ones that combine local expertise, enthusiasm and pride, to foster an environment that is conducive to creative thinking, and Falmouth has all that and more.”

A port with a purpose, Falmouth strikes a successful balance between its multi-layered retail and business offering, and its strong sense of community. As Cornwall’s events hub, Falmouth also prides itself on creating and delivering an award-winning twelve-month festivals programme which helps keep interest, profile and footfall throughout the year. Examples include one of Europe’s largest free maritime festivals, the International Sea Shanty Festival which saw approximately 65,000 visitors to the town in 2019, the early season Falmouth Spring Festival and a celebration of Cornish food and drink via the later season Falmouth Oyster Festival. 

For further information on Falmouth and its thriving high street, visit: https://www.falmouth.co.uk/.