Use It or Lose It: Why Our High Streets Matter More Than Ever

February 28, 2025

A Tale of Two Streets: Then and Now

Above are two Images of the same building on Innerleithen High Street. The first, from 2016, shows an uninspiring, forgotten building, a lifeless shopfront that did nothing to invite people in or make them want to stop, take a walk around and find out more about the town. Fast forward to today, and you’ll see a transformed space: a vibrant storefront, a beautifully designed window, a bike propped outside, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to pause, explore, and connect.

This transformation didn’t happen by accident. It took vision, investment, and a belief that our high streets still have a vital role in our communities. At FINDRA, we are a digital-first e-commerce business - 90% of our sales happen online. We didn’t need a physical shop, but we wanted one. And more importantly, we believed our high street would benefit from one.

The Role of the High Street: A Living History

For centuries, high streets have been the beating hearts of communities. From market stalls and small traders in medieval times to bustling Victorian shopping districts and the department store boom of the 20th century, high streets have always adapted and evolved. However, the last few decades have seen a steep decline. The rise of out-of-town retail parks, the dominance of big chains, and the convenience of online shopping have stripped many high streets of their purpose, leaving behind empty units, declining footfall, and struggling local economies.

But here’s the truth: High streets don’t decline on their own—they decline when people stop showing up. And they thrive when communities choose to support them.

Why Our High Streets Matter to Our Communities

High streets are more than just places to shop. They are the lifeblood of our towns and villages, providing essential services, employment, and a sense of identity. They offer a place for social interaction, where people of all generations can come together, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit. A vibrant high street means more than just economic growth—it means a healthier, more connected society.

However, right now, small independent businesses are facing some of the toughest challenges in decades. Rising costs—everything from rent and utilities to raw materials and wages—combined with increased competition from big chains and online giants make it incredibly difficult for local businesses to survive, let alone thrive. Many independents are operating on razor-thin margins, fighting to keep their doors open in a climate where every penny counts. Without meaningful support from customers and communities, many small businesses will struggle to stay afloat, and the risk of more empty shops and declining high streets becomes very real.

When local businesses thrive, they reinvest in the community. They support local suppliers, create jobs, and contribute to the character and individuality of our towns. A diverse and well-supported high street enhances a community's overall well-being, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit. Without independent businesses and local entrepreneurs, our towns risk becoming soulless, dominated by vacant properties, or homogenized by national chains.

Innerleithen: From Textiles to Trails – Building a Sustainable Future

Innerleithen has a rich heritage as a historic textile town. It was once known for its thriving wool and tweed mills, which powered the local economy for generations. The town’s mills, fueled by the Leithen Water as it hurried busily towards the River Tweed, produced high-quality textiles that were renowned across Scotland and the world. However, as the textile industry declined in the late 20th century, Innerleithen began to reinvent itself, embracing outdoor tourism, particularly mountain biking.

With its rugged landscape and extensive trail network in the Tweed Valley, Innerleithen has become a premier destination for mountain bikers, attracting riders from around the world. While biking has brought a new lease of life to the town, it is crucial to look beyond this single industry to ensure long-term sustainability. A thriving and diverse high street, with independent shops, cafés, and creative businesses, is essential to supporting the wider community and maintaining the town’s vitality beyond cycling.

Beyond Sales: Why FINDRA Invests in Our Shop and Cafe

At FINDRA, our shop isn’t just about revenue—it’s about community. It’s a place where people can meet, chat, have a coffee, browse products, and feel a connection to a brand that shares their values and a space that reflects their community. Whether it’s a friendly face behind the counter, an event bringing people together, or simply the joy of seeing an independent business thrive, our space brings something valuable to the high street beyond just commercial transactions.

In 2016, I had lived in Innerleithen for nine years and had never given this building a second glance—I didn’t even know what it was. When I started FINDRA, I worked from my kitchen table. As the business grew, I converted half of my garage into a small stockroom and design studio. When I outgrew that space, I moved into an office in the Glendinings building off the High Street, using my garage solely for stock storage. As things evolved, I began looking for a premises that could house both our office and retail operations, but finding industrial units in Innerleithen proved nearly impossible.

A friend suggested I look at 83 High Street. I can still remember the day I went to view it—on the outside, it looked awful, almost miserable. But the moment I stepped inside, I was gobsmacked. This little TARDIS of a building revealed a much grander interior, with high ceilings, abundant natural light, beautiful stone walls, and exposed brickwork. Despite its unfinished state, I immediately saw its potential. From that moment, I knew I wanted this space, and I could transform it into something special.

Since taking over the space in February 2017, our use of the premises has evolved alongside the business. We started with a small retail space at the front, an office and design studio in the middle, and a stockroom at the back. When COVID hit in 2020, we closed to the public, but I was fortunate to be able to continue working and growing FINDRA’s online sales. By 2021, we moved our operational side to a small fulfillment center in Walkerburn, allowing us to expand our shop. I knew I didn’t want to lose the retail space—this building deserved to be shared with the community.

From 2021 to 2023, we developed a larger retail area, and in 2023, we introduced a café, maximizing the space and increasing footfall. Now, as we head into Spring 2025, we’re evolving again, offering light lunches to further enhance the experience for our customers. Over the past seven years, we’ve had to be agile, inventive, and creative, making the space work for our changing business needs and the community. Running a small shop and café takes immense effort, investment, and dedication. But for me, it’s about more than just business—it’s about creating a space that contributes to the high street, enriches the community, and provides joy to locals and visitors alike.

The Ripple Effect: One Shop, One Street, One Community

They say one swallow doesn’t make a summer, and one shop alone doesn’t make a thriving High Street. When we took a chance on an abandoned, derelict building, it felt like the right move for our business. But what we didn’t expect was the ripple effect it would create. Our decision sparked enthusiasm in others, and before we knew it, Innerleithen High Street was transforming—becoming a vibrant, bustling place to shop, visit, and connect.

But just as momentum can build, it can also fade. Over the past 6–9 months, I’ve noticed a shift. The energy isn’t quite the same; the buzz has dimmed, and the vibrancy we once felt is waning. Businesses are struggling, and some key players have already shut their doors. It’s a worrying trend, one that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Consumers don’t always see the gradual decline—until their favourite café or gift shop is gone, and only then do they reflect on how much they loved having small independents right on their doorstep.

As a business owner, I see these changes firsthand—not just in the atmosphere but in our shop's daily takings. That’s why this blog is a direct call to action. To you - our customers. If you love your local shops, cafés, and businesses, now is the time to show it. If you don’t use it, you will lose it. Let’s not wait until it’s too late. Let’s keep our High Street alive.

How You Can Support Your Local High Street

If we want our high streets to survive—and more importantly, to thrive—then we all have a role to play. Here’s how you can help:

Choose Local First – Before heading online or to a big chain, see if an independent business can meet your needs. Every pound spent locally stays in the local economy.
Visit and Engage – Pop into your local shops, have a coffee, browse, and chat. Even if you don’t buy something every time, your presence and support matter.
Spread the Word – Share your favourite local businesses on social media, leave positive reviews, and recommend them to friends and family.
Attend Local Events – Many high streets now host markets, pop-ups, and community events. Get involved and help create a buzz.

The Future is in Our Hands

The reality is simple: if we don’t use our high streets, we will lose them. But the good news is that we can change that. We can choose to support our local businesses, create vibrant, diverse, and resilient high streets, and ensure that our towns and villages remain places worth celebrating.

The future of our high streets is in our hands—let’s make sure it’s one worth investing in.

At FINDRA, we are committed to doing our part. We hope you will join us. Because together, we can make a difference. One visit, one purchase, one conversation at a time.