Autumn Fair has joined forces with SaveTheHighStreet.org to launch Retail Makeover Mission: a new initiative aimed at revitalising independent retail.
The nationwide campaign launches today (June 10) with a competition for two ambitious independent bricks-and-mortar retailers across the gifting, home and lifestyle, fashion, and garden sectors to win a ‘complete business transformation package’ worth over £10,000.
The winners will receive:
– A personal retail expert task team of industry-leading specialists providing 20-plus hours of intensive, hands-on mentoring directly in-store;
– A dedicated £1,000 buying budget to spend at Autumn Fair, with expert guidance on high-impact selections;
– A store makeover budget with hands-on visual merchandising support;
– VIP access to Autumn Fair with travel and accommodation included as well as exclusive networking opportunities;
– Three months of premium access to Thriver – a business growth programme powered by SaveTheHighStreet.org, with expert coaching and tailored support;
– Industry-wide PR and marketing exposure and branded assets to showcase their transformation journey.
Autumn Fair event director Soraya Gadelrab said: “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. 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 – and this new initiative brings that to life.
“As the UK’s leading retail trade events, we’ve long been a platform for product discovery and industry connection. Retail Makeover Mission in partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.org is about going beyond the buying and actively investing in the future of local retail.”
“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”
Alex Schlagman, co-founder of SaveTheHighStreet.org, added: “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.”
Plus, every retailer who enters as part of the Retail Makeover Mission will get a free retail health check via SaveTheHighStreet.org’s Thriver platform, expert-created toolkits of practical resources and guides covering everything from visual merchandising to customer retention strategies, and exclusive 1-2-1 personal consultations with retail specialists during Autumn Fair, offering direct access to advice tailored to their specific needs.
As part of the ongoing campaign to support the High Street, retailers will also be invited to take part in a retail survey to explore the biggest pressures facing independent retailers, what changes would benefit their business, and how the industry can help drive positive change.
Retailers can enter at https://www.autumnfair.com/retail-makeover
Watch the campaign launch here: https://youtu.be/ZiPcQkKdzHM
