Watford public tell us how to improve the High Street

With residents still feeling the pinch and another energy bills hike this month, high streets nationwide continue to face strong headwinds. 

However, although some bemoaned a footfall drop, a few also reported brighter signs and praised council efforts to support the area.   

Nikki Warren and Chris Harland, co-owners of SRS Microsystems Camera Shop, had "no complaints" with the high street since they took over two years ago. They praised the council-run events along the high street, as they were popular with young people and helped to drive footfall. 

Bilal Majeed, 51, who owns family-run business A&M textiles, hailed his recent experience of moving from the market to his new base as one of Watford retail's "success stories", while also pointing to fewer empty units and an "expanding high street".

A&M Textiles is one of Watford Market's success stories after securing a place on the high street. (Image: Newsquest) Referencing the challenges, he added: “It's not just Watford, everyone's affected by the cost of living crisis, the whole country are expecting heavier taxes and the winter fuel payments decline affects the older generations who spend money during the week."

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Situls Gifts on Watford High Street has has been open for 48 years. (Image: Newsquest)Watford resident and shopper Emma Gardner, 48, also praised the charity shops and eateries in the area. She suggested that there should be some more "pop-up shops" if there are any vacant units and requested some more live music.

Emma Gardner, 48, is a Watford resident and shopper who volunteers at the Cancer Research charity shop on the high street. (Image: Newsquest)However, Situls Gifts owner Ansu Shah, 53, talked about "footfall dropping" in his store which was not aided by the vacant units around him.

Similar points were made by 26-year-old Luke Keaveney, store manager of Princewear, who said low footfall across the UK was reflected in Watford.

"Particularly in the top end of town the footfall has fallen," he added. "Twenty  years ago it would be like a British Magaluf with all the nightclubs but they've all gone.

Prince Menswear is a high end clothes shop at 145 the High Street. (Image: Newsquest) "We've lost at least 25 per cent of revenue in the last six years but I think it is a national issue that's not recovered since the pandemic. Hopefully the government can give shoppers an incentive to come back out."

To the south of the town centre, WBC is eyeing up a transport revamp hoping that changes would create a “more attractive and memorable gateway” to the town, as well as helping trade and footfall for local businesses.

Several shop owners said they saw the loss of atria Watford's John Lewis in 2020 as a hammer blow, however multiple big-name businesses including Dunelm, Peacocks and B&M have since moved into its former unit.