Book review: Sold out, who killed the High Street? by Bill Grimsey

Sold out, who killed the High Street?, published by Filament Publishing is a thought provoking book targeted at retailers. Bill is a retailer himself in the UK where the High Street has been devastated over the last few years. As Bill explains it is easy to blame the supermarkets, box stores and out of town shopping, but should we look at these retailers as the villains? According to Bill the problem is nearer to home and he focuses on small retailers not keeping up with new technology, the decline in customer service and the greed of landlords among other things.

His view of the future of the High Street will cause debate and fits in with my workshop Ghost town, Clone town, Home town.

One strategy I like in the book is in his last chapter when he askes what success looks like in the future.  The key words he uses are:

• Prosperous
• Harmonious
• Community
• Continuous Innovation
• Sustainable

If you are concerned about the future of the Main Street or High Street then this is a book for you to read.