The British high street in 2024 remains a battleground of mixed fortunes as both long-standing institutions and new businesses adapt to the rapid rise of online alternatives. This year has seen further shifts in consumer behaviour, impacting various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and high street bookmakers. With the backdrop of inflation, changes in disposable income, and growing digitalisation, the high street has seen varying degrees of success and decline.

The current state of the high street

A recent PWC report highlights how in Q3 and Q4 of 2024, the British high street continues to face pressures from rising costs, supply chain issues, and changing consumer behaviour. The shift to online shopping remains a major challenge, contributing to ongoing store closures—currently at 38 per day. 

While government initiatives like the Levelling Up Fund have provided some relief, the impact has been uneven, with retail parks and shopping centres showing resilience compared to high streets.

In Wales, high streets remain central to communities but are experiencing similar difficulties. The convenience of online shopping and reduced footfall have led to more closures, especially for smaller retailers, chemists, and banks. Without further intervention, some high streets risk falling into a continued cycle of decline.

Bookmakers

High street bookmakers, once central to British town life, have struggled due to the rise of online betting platforms. The convenience of mobile apps has drastically reduced foot traffic, with approximately 30% of betting shops closing over the past five years. Tighter regulations on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) have also hurt revenue. 

In contrast, online bookmakers have thrived by offering 24/7 access, better odds, and frequent promotions, making it easier to find an online casino than visiting a physical shop. While some customers still appreciate the social aspect of betting shops, operators are increasingly merging physical and digital experiences to remain competitive.

Retail

Traditional high-street retailers, particularly in fashion and electronics, have also struggled. The convenience and vast offerings of e-commerce giants like Amazon have pulled consumers away from physical stores. 

Major chains such as Debenhams have disappeared from the high street, while others like John Lewis have significantly reduced their physical footprint. To remain competitive, many retailers are adopting omnichannel strategies, blending online shopping with in-store experiences, though rising costs and reduced foot traffic remain significant challenges.

Hospitality

The hospitality sector, including cafés and restaurants, has faced a mixed outlook in 2024. While chains like Costa and Pret A Manger have made a strong recovery after the pandemic, independent establishments, particularly pubs, continue to struggle with rising costs and labour shortages. 

Furthermore, the popularity of online food delivery platforms, such as Uber Eats and Just Eat, has reshaped the dining experience, pushing many restaurants to focus on takeaway services rather than dine-in customers. To stay competitive, some venues are investing in technology, offering digital menus and contactless payments to streamline the customer experience.

Bank branches

Another sector experiencing significant change is banking. The rise of online banking and fintech has led to widespread bank branch closures across the UK, as consumers increasingly manage their finances digitally. 

Banks such as HSBC and Barclays have significantly reduced their physical footprint, leaving many towns without a local branch. This has particularly impacted older customers and those in rural areas, where access to digital services can be limited. In response, some banks are experimenting with smaller, more flexible branch formats or failing this, a mobile banking van scheme.

Independent retailers

While large chains are shrinking, some independent retailers are finding ways to thrive. The rise of campaigns encouraging consumers to shop locally has bolstered small businesses, especially in areas like Wales, where supporting local producers and artisans has become a cultural priority. 

Many independent retailers are embracing e-commerce alongside their physical shops, using social media and online marketplaces to reach wider audiences while maintaining their personal, community-focused approach.

Conclusion

In 2024, the British high street continues to face an uphill battle as online alternatives dominate the retail and betting landscapes. While government interventions have provided some relief to struggling high streets, the future remains uncertain. 

High-street bookmakers, retailers, and even banks face growing competition from online services, which offer greater convenience and flexibility. The shift towards digital experiences and declining foot traffic threatens the traditional high street, but businesses that innovate and adapt may yet find ways to survive and thrive in this evolving environment.

Gambling has transformed significantly in recent decades, with the rise of online slots and virtual casinos, allowing players to gamble from home or on the go. This shift raises questions about the growing popularity of online slots compared to traditional casinos. In this article, we’ll examine the growth of online slots, the impact of bonuses on participation in online gambling, and their comparison to traditional casinos.

The evolution of online slots

Online slots have grown rapidly since the launch of the first virtual casino in the mid-1990s. Early online slot games were simple, two-dimensional versions of traditional machines, lacking the excitement and immersion of real-world counterparts.

Advancements in technology soon revolutionised online slots, which now feature high-definition graphics, engaging soundtracks, and interactive bonus features that often rival or surpass physical casinos. 

Game developers have introduced diverse themes, from ancient mythology to blockbuster movies, enhancing entertainment and appealing to a wide range of players.

The growth of mobile gaming has further boosted online slots. With the widespread availability of smartphones and tablets, players can enjoy their favourite slots anytime, anywhere, without visiting a physical casino. This convenience has been a major factor in making online slots more accessible to a broader audience.

The role of bonuses and promotions

A major factor behind the popularity of online slots is the use of bonuses to attract new players and retain existing ones. You can find the best casino bonuses reviewed and recommended to help you choose the right offers. 

As competition grows, online casinos offer lucrative promotions to draw players away from traditional casinos. Popular promotions, such as welcome bonuses, free spins, and deposit matches, provide players with extra funds to gamble.

These bonuses differ greatly from traditional casinos, where upfront incentives are rare. Land-based casinos typically offer loyalty programmes with perks like free meals or hotel stays, but these rewards usually require substantial spending, making them less accessible to the average player compared to the more immediate bonuses available online.

The regularity of these online promotions has played a significant role in boosting participation in online gambling. The ease and transparency of accessing bonuses make it simpler for new players to try online slots, leading to increased involvement and further enhancing the popularity of virtual casinos.

Are online slots more popular than traditional casinos?

The rise of online slots has led to a shift in consumer preferences, with many finding the convenience of gambling from home more appealing than visiting traditional casinos. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, as lockdowns closed physical casinos, driving more people to online platforms for entertainment.

Statistics back up this shift. According to the UK Gambling Commission, the online gambling market now accounts for a significant portion of total gambling revenue. In 2023, online gambling, driven largely by slot machines, hit a record £15.01 billion for the year ending March 2023. 

A key factor behind the popularity of online slots is the vast range of games available. Traditional casinos are limited by space and can only offer a set number of machines, while online casinos can host thousands of slot games. Additionally, online slots often provide higher payout rates, making them more attractive to players looking for better odds.

The future of online slots

The future of online slots looks bright, with innovations set to enhance the player experience even further. Online slots have arguably become more popular than traditional casinos due to their convenience, variety, and the appeal of bonuses and promotions. While physical casinos still offer a unique, social experience, the continued rise of online gaming platforms suggests that virtual slots are firmly on the rise.

A £2.6M scheme to redevelop a derelict ‘eyesore’ motel close to the Pembrokeshire seaside village of Newgale with the promise of creating 18 jobs has been submitted to national park planners.

Nick Neumann of Newgale Holidays wants to redevelop the former Roch Gate Motel to a mixed commercial and community use hub called ‘The Gate,’ including a village shop/post office, bistro/restaurant, conference facilities and business units together ancillary works, and a separate tourism development of up to 25 holiday lodges.

The vacant derelict former motel – dubbed an “eyesore” in previous applications – closed back in 2008 and has a history of later approved planning schemes, including as a bespoke hotel and an affordable housing scheme, but none have come to fruition.

The new proposed development was the subject of a pre-application consultation last autumn, and has now been revised following “feedback received from the Park Authority on planning issues and from relevant consultees and third party representations,” a supporting statement says, adding: “the applicant has now had time to review and revise the proposal to address any concerns raised and is now supported by further technical documents.”

Since that consultation changes to the submitted scheme include external appearances on the main building, the removal of a drive-thru element, and an additional two business units.

At the time of last year’s consultation, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said: “The former motel site has laid vacant for several years and is now derelict and largely abandoned. Despite an application being granted for its redevelopment as a bespoke hotel and a more recent application for an affordable housing scheme being recommended for approval by the authority (subject to the completion of a legal agreement) neither of these schemes have materialised.

“These schemes were submitted by the previous owner of the site and clearly failed to deliver.

“The application proposal comprises different business, commercial, community and tourism elements. Since purchasing the site more recently, the applicant seeks to present a different and exciting mixed-use redevelopment on the site which would be of significant benefit to the local community.

“The authority has previously accepted that the site is unlikely to return to its previous use as a motel/hotel. Roch has sadly recently lost its only village shop/post office and fish and chip shop. The shop/post office closed in the last 12 months and the fish and chip shop several years ago.

“The proposed business/community hub would include the provision of a replacement village shop/post office, a bistro, rooms that would be available for conferences and local community uses, together with three small business units.”

The statement added: “In addition to the business/community hub, it is also proposed to create a modest tourism development comprising up to 25 holiday lodges on part of the adjacent field to the southwest. This tourism development forms part of the overall business plan for the site and to provide an income stream in support of the main redevelopment site.”

Speaking after the amended application was submitted, Mr Neumann has said: “The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. However, PCNPA raised some policy concerns, which we have been addressing over the past six to nine months.

“In response, we have made a few adjustments to the scheme. These include minor changes to the external appearance of the main building to ensure it more closely aligns with the traditional architecture of Pembrokeshire. Additionally, we have removed the drive-through element to reduce littering and cut down on vehicle emissions, ensuring a cleaner environment and promoting sustainability to the benefit of everyone within our community. In its place we have added two more business units to further support local business enterprises and start-ups.

“We have listened to the feedback, taken action, and fulfilled all the statutory requirements. Now, we are hopeful that the proposal, along with our formal planning application, will be viewed favourably by both PCNPA planners and the wider community.”

He finished: “If you share our vision to transform the current derelict site into a vibrant community hub with a £2.6m investment, bringing 18 full-time jobs and much-needed local amenities then we urge you to voice your support. Now is the time to let the planners know how much the development means to our community. Together we can make this vision a reality.”

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.