Autumn Fair has joined forces with SaveTheHighStreet.org to launch Retail Makeover Mission, an initiative aimed at revitalising independent retail and acting as a catalyst for high street regeneration across the UK.
Promising to champion independent retail innovation and resilience, the Retail Makeover Mission launches today with a competition for independent retailers to win a complete business transformation package worth over £10,000, and a survey to understand the pressures facing the industry to help drive positive change. Watch the campaign launch here.
Autumn Fair and SaveTheHighStreet.org are searching for two ambitious independent retailers who are ready to take their business to the next level with expert help, investment and industry-wide exposure. A team of top retail professionals will help to transform the winning businesses with real transformation and results.
Backed by a Task Team of retail experts, the initiative addresses the most pressing issues facing independents today, including merchandising to drive engagement and sales, curating product ranges to maximise margins, enhancing displays to increase footfall, improving operational efficiency, elevating customer experience, and developing agile business strategies to thrive in a constantly evolving retail landscape.
“This isn’t just about helping a few shops – it’s about showing what’s possible when the industry comes together to support real businesses,” says Soraya Gadelrab, event director at Autumn Fair. “Spring & Autumn Fair have been a staple of independent retail buying for years and they are here to help the Great British High Street take its next step – this initiative brings that to life."
The nationwide competition will offer two independent shop owners a chance to transform their business ahead of retail’s peak season. The campaign is looking for bricks-and-mortar businesses across the gifting, home and lifestyle, fashion, and garden sectors with strong potential but facing specific operational challenges. By applying, retailers will have the chance to receive expert-led support and a complete business makeover and become part of a nationwide movement championing the future of the high street.
Alex Schlagman, founding partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org, says: “We know it’s not easy out there – costs are rising, footfall is unpredictable, and change is constant. But we also know that independent retailers are resilient, resourceful, and central to their communities. Through this partnership, we’re not just talking about support, we’re investing in it. Retailers will get access to mentoring, tailored strategy, marketing advice, and a Task Team of retail experts covering everything from stock flow to financial planning. This is about backing indies with practical help, emotional support, and the belief that they can thrive, together.”
Every retailer that enters as part of the Retail Makeover Mission will get a free retail health check via SaveTheHighStreet.org’s Thriver platform, and the winning retailers will also gain three months of premium access to the platform, giving them ongoing support and resources.
All entrants will also receive practical resources and guides developed by the specialist task team, and personal consultations with retail specialists during Autumn Fair, taking place from 7-10th September at the NEC Birmingham.
Soraya continues: “We’ve come together with SaveTheHighStreet.org because we believe in the future of independent retail. Independent shops are the heartbeat of our communities, and Autumn Fair has always been where those retailers find ideas, inspiration, and opportunity. With Retail Makeover Mission, we’re taking that one step further, not just offering a platform, but becoming a partner in their growth. This initiative is about visibility, transformation, and delivering real, hands-on advice and action, not just theory.”
Retailers can enter here.
