Over 60% of respondents in the latest Heartbeat survey completed by independent retailers in the High Street reported sales in the last quarter of 2025 similar or better than the same period last year.
Indeed, 37% said they were better. Similarly, 67% reported sales better in the last quarter compared to the previous quarter. However, there is still caution around the year ahead with only just over 32% optimistic, although a further 30% remained neutral.