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Running an independent shop often means wearing countless hats. There’s always stock to manage, customers to serve, and a hundred other daily demands. But what if a helping hand – and a significant injection of support – could give your business the momentum it needs?
This summer, two independent retailers will have exactly that opportunity.
Introducing The Retail Makeover Mission
Autumn Fair and SaveTheHighStreet.org have joined forces to launch the Retail Makeover Mission – a unique opportunity for UK indie retailers to level up their business with expert support, investment, and nationwide recognition. Two winners will receive a bespoke makeover package worth over £10,000, designed to tackle real-world challenges and unlock new growth.
Here's what you could win:
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Dedicated retail experts offering over 20 hours of hands-on in-store mentoring
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A £1,000 buying budget with guidance on range planning
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Visual merchandising updates tailored to your space and brand
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Full access to Autumn Fair, with travel and accommodation included
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3 Months’ Access to Thriver, the business support platform brought to you by SaveTheHighStreet.org
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PR and marketing exposure, helping you tell your transformation story to a wider audience
Each winner will also be supported by a hand-picked team of retail specialists, covering everything from store layout to loyalty schemes to ecommerce strategy.
Meet The Task Team
Supporting The Highstreet
Our partnership is built on a shared mission: to champion independent retailers – the beating heart of our high streets – and give them the tools, insights and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. Whether it’s through expert guidance, tailored support or increased visibility, we’re committed to helping small businesses build resilience, adapt to change and unlock their full potential.
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“We are delighted to reveal such a high-profile team of experts offering a wealth of knowledge and experience. The Retail Makeover Mission presents a rare opportunity for indies to gain access to expertise and tools, previously out of reach for many small businesses. The initiative comes at a critical time for independent retail, as businesses face rising operational costs, shifting customer expectations, and the urgent need for digital and experiential evolution. Retailers need more than advice - they need partners who can roll up their sleeves and achieve results – our brilliant Task Team will do just that.”
The Retail Makeover Mission directly tackles some of the most pressing challenges facing the independent retail sector today – from boosting merchandising strategies and improving profit margins to elevating the customer experience and staying ahead of shifting consumer behaviours. By offering practical, tailored support, the initiative empowers retailers to strengthen their business foundations and drive long-term growth
At a time of significant economic uncertainty – when many small businesses are feeling the pressure of rising costs, changing spending habits, and ongoing disruption across the high street – initiatives like The Retail Makeover Mission play a vital role in helping retailers adapt and stay competitive. Now more than ever, independent retailers need access to expert guidance, fresh ideas, and strategic investment to not just survive – but thrive in the face of change.
Something for Everyone
Even those who don’t win the full package won’t walk away empty-handed. Every applicant will receive:
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A 14-day free Retail Health Check via Thriver
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The chance to book exclusive 1-to-1 expert appointments at Autumn Fair
These tools are designed to help retailers identify key strengths and spot growth opportunities, no matter their current challenges.
Don't Delay – Enter Today!
If you’re an independent retailer with ambition and a story to tell – whether it’s a new idea you’re struggling to get off the ground, or a long-standing challenge you want help solving – this is your moment.
Hurry, entries are open until 29th June 2025
Enter The Retail Makeover Mission
Featured Articles
- 1 5 Stunning Homeware Suppliers you Need to Know About
- 2 Celebrating Inspiring Women in Retail: Spring and Autumn Fair's Commitment to Championing Women in Retail
- 3 UK Retail Insights 2025: Consumer Caution and Selective Spending
- 4 Theo Paphitis: Small Businesses, Big Impact
- 5 A Fireside chat with Olivia Bowen and Keplin CEO Ray Mehra
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