Autumn Fair 2025 has joined forces with SaveTheHighStreet.org to launch the Retail Makeover Mission, a new initiative designed to revitalise independent retail and act as a catalyst for high street regeneration across the UK.
Championing independent retail innovation and resilience, the Retail Makeover Mission is a timely answer to the UK’s retail crisis. The campaign launches 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.
Autumn Fair and SaveTheHighStreet.org are searching for two ambitious independent retailers that 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 directly addresses the most pressing issues facing independents today.
From merchandising to drive engagement and sales, curating product ranges to maximise margins, and 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.
Commenting is Soraya Gadelrab, event director at Autumn Fair. “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 – this initiative brings that to life. Retail Makeover Mission in partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.org is about going beyond the buying and actively investing in the future of local retail.”
The campaign is looking for bricks and mortar businesses across gifting, home and lifestyle, fashion and garden sectors, which have strong potential but are facing specific operational challenges. By applying, retailers will have the chance to receive expert-led support and a complete business makeover but also become part of a nationwide movement championing the future of the high street.
Also commenting is Alex Schlagman, founding partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org.
“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.”
Committed to supporting the entire independent retail community, every retailer who enters as part of the Retail Makeover Mission will get a free retail health check via SaveTheHighStreet.org’s Thriver platform.
Thriver, a digital platform designed to support independent retailers with tailored, expert-led business advice, offers practical, data-driven insights and step-by-step guidance to help shop owners build resilience, improve operations, and grow sustainably. The two winning retailers will gain three months of premium access to the platform, giving them ongoing support and resources.
Retailers can enter the Retail Makeover Mission here.