While many high street shops are floundering, the number of independent bookstores in the UK has grown for the third consecutive year. An increasing desire among consumers for human connection and nostalgic escapism from the digital world have given indie bookshops a boost.

The closure of non-essential retail due to COVID-19 saw shopping become a mostly digital affair for many Britons. Yet while the future of the high street may be in jeopardy, people remain eager to connect with brands. How can pop-up experiences fulfil this desire in the post-pandemic landscape?

As e-commerce giants continue to cannibalise the UK high street, the backlash against faceless retailers is accelerating, leading some shoppers to turn to smaller, local businesses – both online and off. How are these independent firms fostering long-term loyalty across channels?

Screen time may have soared during the pandemic, but after over a year of doomscrolling and binge-watching, people are taking a more intentional approach to entertainment. They’re embracing slower narratives that facilitate exploration and deliberation, from podcasts that promote considered conversation to nostalgic reboots offering wholesome escapism.