The hybrid shopping experience that can keep Bishop’s Stortford’s town centre relevant and engaging

Bishop’s Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) joint-manager Karen Burton writes for the Indie

As a former retailer, I’ve spent years talking about why shopping locally matters - both for the shops and for us as a community.

However, I also recognise that online shopping can be hard to resist, especially when you can order from a 24/7 marketplace without leaving your sofa.

The convenience is undeniable, yet here we are, wishing our high streets were brimming with unique shops, tempting window displays and lively cafés.

When you’re scrolling online, you’re presented with endless suggestions. Yet it’s all tailored, predictable and doesn’t leave room for surprise. After all, nobody browses the Amazon home page, hoping to stumble upon something new.

So is there a hybrid shopping experience that can keep our town centres relevant and engaging?

The good news is Bishop’s Stortford already has a strong base to build on.

We have a healthy mix of independents combined with high street brands that have slick click-and-collect services in place, including Boots, Next, Argos, Mountain Warehouse, Waterstones, Mint Velvet, M&S and John Lewis in the form of Waitrose.

Using the free in-store pick-up option can often be quicker and more reliable than a home delivery order, so coming into town, combining it with shopping locally, suddenly becomes a choice worth considering.

The joy of high street shopping goes beyond a simple transaction; it’s an experience of exploration.

Maybe it’s the reward of finding a hidden gem after trying on several pieces in a cosy boutique or spotting that perfect piece of jewellery that shines even more brightly in person than online; you may never have found these by clicking a few links.

It’s about letting curiosity lead you from one store to the next, an experience that’s entirely unique to in-person shopping.

The high street experience is also about more than just shopping; it’s about making time for ourselves in a way that’s simply not possible when clicking through pages online.

But let’s be honest - high streets across the UK face a challenge. The ease of online shopping isn’t going anywhere, and if we want our town centre to thrive we need to reimagine what that means.

Maybe it’s about creating spaces that blend retail with leisure, accepting it’s not only about what you buy there but about enjoying the atmosphere, connecting with friends and family and supporting local businesses.

Our high street is no longer just a collection of shops, it’s a place to gather, celebrate and create memories. Supporting all the businesses that trade there keeps our money within the community, ensuring Bishop’s Stortford remains a vibrant and welcoming town.

If we want to keep our high street alive, it’s up to all of us to choose it, especially during the Christmas season.

Supporting local businesses keeps money circulating within our community, helping these retailers to stay open and ensuring that Bishop’s Stortford remains a vibrant, welcoming place to visit.

Yes, there’s convenience in clicking, but there’s real value in connecting with the people and places that make up our town.

So this Christmas, think about what kind of high street you want to see in Bishop’s Stortford. A vibrant town centre doesn’t happen by accident - it happens when we choose to be a part of it.