Evolving High Streets: Chichester, Portsmouth, Havant & Emsworth Go Digital

High Street Trends: Footfall Down, Shop Closures Up

Even after the pandemic, UK high streets struggle to regain their former bustle. In 2023, foot traffic remained ~12% below 2019 levels — roughly 9% appears permanently lost as shoppers shift online (People & Places). In 2024, 12,804 chain outlets closed (~35/day), with independents hardest hit (Wonderful).

Decline varies: wealthier cities keep vacancy near ~7%, while some towns exceed 16% (Wonderful). Locally, Chichester lost 16 retail shops (‑6%) from 2020–2022, double the national average (Sussex Express). Flagships like Debenhams and House of Fraser exited, and Portsmouth traders warned in early 2023 that rising costs threaten independents (The News, Portsmouth).

Changing Consumer Habits: From Main Street to Online

By late 2024, online channels accounted for ~30% of all UK retail sales — matching lockdown peaks (YourEcommerceAccountant). Shoppers compare prices on phones, then buy for delivery or click‑and‑collect. Crucially, 81% of retail journeys now include online research (Invoca), and “near me” searches grew ~950% 2018–2022 (Vertical Leap).

Implication: if your business isn’t visible in local Google results or lacks an e‑commerce option, a large share of potential customers won’t find you. Convenience wins — and convenience now means clicks as well as bricks.

Local Businesses Adapting Through E‑commerce and Digital

Digital adoption surged. In 2023, 87% of UK small businesses had a website and 70% used online marketing (FSB via TaxAgility). Firms using digital are more likely to be profitable. On the ground, that means launching simple, mobile‑friendly sites, enabling online orders, and using local SEO so searches like “electrician Portsmouth” or “café Chichester” show your brand.

Need help getting set up? See our Website build (£500) or Business package (£900) , check pricing , or just contact us . We focus on fast, SEO‑ready builds for Portsmouth, Chichester, Havant, and Emsworth.

Community Initiatives and Support

Portsmouth’s 2024 Match Fund offers £1,500–£4,000 grants for digital upgrades (20–50% match) (Portsmouth City Council). Havant launched a Vacant Shop Scheme and Pop Up Shop initiative to bring unique retail and experiences back to the precinct (Havant Borough Council).

Chichester leans into its independent identity: ~240 indie stores and renewed optimism as empty units refill (Sussex Express, OB News).

Strategies to Blend Online and High Street

Optimise “near me”: Keep your Google Business Profile updated, collect reviews, and add a local “Service in [Town]” page. Try our Local SEO checklist (Havant) .
Omnichannel: Offer delivery, click‑and‑collect, and in‑store returns for online orders. Show local stock online where possible.
Experience & service: Host workshops, tastings, or clubs to create reasons to visit that can’t be ordered online.
Data & marketing: Use email, social, and targeted local ads. See Chichester web tips and Emsworth setup guide .
Collaborate: Cross‑promote with neighbours, join traders’ groups, and support local “Shop Local” campaigns.

FAQs

Do I need a full online shop, or will a simple site do? Start lean: a clear 1–5 page site with phone, hours, and a simple order/booking form often delivers quick wins. Add e‑commerce once product‑market fit is clear. Our £500 build is ideal for this.
How fast can I go live? A basic site can launch in 1–2 weeks with provided content. We also offer a free homepage mockup — no obligation .
What’s the first SEO step for local shops? Complete your Google Business Profile, add photos, and earn reviews; then publish a targeted “Service in [Town]” page. See our local SEO checklist .
Are there local grants? Portsmouth’s Match Fund (select projects) and Havant’s pop‑up/vacant shop schemes may help. Check council sites and business hubs, and ask us for pointers via contact .
Can LumenForges help? Yes. We build fast, SEO‑ready sites and can integrate e‑commerce later. See pricing or get in touch .

Conclusion

Hybrid wins: be searchable online and special in person. With smart digital moves and community‑driven experiences, high streets in Chichester, Portsmouth, Havant, and Emsworth can thrive. If you want a partner to help, we’re here .

Evolving High Streets: How Chichester, Portsmouth, Havant & Emsworth Businesses Are Embracing Digital