Autumn Fair and SaveTheHighStreet.org has launched a campaign – Retail Makeover Mission – aimed at revitalising independent retailing and acting as a catalyst for high street regeneration. Its first initiative will see two retailers win a business transformation package worth £10,000.
RMM also sees the launch of a survey to understand the pressures facing the industry.
The initiative ‘directly addresses the most pressing issues facing independents today, from merchandising to drive engagement and sales, curating product ranges to maximise margins, enhancing displays to increase footfall, to improving operational efficiency, elevating customer experience, and developing agile business strategies to thrive in a constantly evolving retail landscape,’ says Autumn Fair and SaveTheHighStreet.org.
‘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, Autumn Fair 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. We’ve long been a platform for product discovery and industry connection. RMM is about going beyond the buying and actively investing in the future of local retail.’
The competition will offer two independent store owners a chance to transform their business ahead of retail’s peak season. The campaign is looking for bricks-and-mortar businesses across the home and lifestyle, gifting, fashion, and garden sectors with strong potential but facing specific operational challenges.
Winners of the transformation package will receive: industry-leading specialists providing 20plus hours of intensive, hands-on mentoring directly in store; a £1,000 buying budget to spend at Autumn fair, a store makeover budget with with hands-on visual merchandising support; premium access to Autumn Fair with travel and accommodation included as well as exclusive networking opportunities; three months access to Thriver, SaveTheHighStreet.org’s business growth programme and PR and marketing exposure.
‘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 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,’ says Alex Schlagman, SaveTheHighStreet.org founding partner.
All retailers which enter as part of the RMM will get a free retail health check via Thriver; practical resources and guides, covering everything from visual merchandising to customer retention strategies and one-to-one consultations with retail specialists during Autumn Fair.
‘Independent shops are the heartbeat of our communities, and Autumn Fair has always been where those retailers find ideas, inspiration, and opportunity. With RMM, 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,’ says Gadelrab.
Retailers can enter via Autumn Fair’s website and a launch video is available in YouTube.
