SaveTheHighStreet.org and Ankorstart ignite high street revival with the “Open Your Shop” contest

The UK’s high street retail landscape is facing a paradigm shift as many household names announce plans to shutter more shops and 13.8 percent of all high street units lie empty. In a bold move to invigorate the high street with a new generation of retail entrepreneurs, industry movement SaveTheHighStreet.org in collaboration with startup support programme Ankorstart, unveils the “Open Your Shop” contest.

This timely initiative invites budding retailers to seize the opportunity to fill the void left by many of big high street brands disappearing, fostering a vibrant and more diversified retail ecosystem. The contest is open to all UK-based businesses and individuals passionate about launching on the high street, from concept stores to delicatessens, clothing boutiques, bookshops and more.

Three winners of the contest in 2023 will each secure a comprehensive package to propel their retail ventures towards success, encompassing a £1,000 voucher from Ankorstart to stock their new store as well as end-to-end support from SaveTheHighStreet.org’s new ‘launch on the high street’ accelerator programme to develop their business plan, secure their ideal location, recruit their team, promote their brand, design their shop and generate footfall. Additionally, all entrants to the contest will have access to an expert mentor to help kickstart their entrepreneurial journey on the high street.

“The ‘Open Your Shop’ contest is more than a competition; it’s a catalyst for reinvigorating high streets and empowering the next generation of retail entrepreneurs. Our aim is to provide a beacon of hope amidst a challenging retail landscape, repopulating vacant space on the high street with new businesses that have the support they need to succeed” said Alex Schlagman, Founding Partner, SaveTheHighStreet.org.

“We are proud to launch this award here in the UK. Independent retailing is at the heart of our towns and city centres and it’s important to help entrepreneurs open sustainable businesses that will revitalise our towns and villages. Thank you to our partner SaveTheHighStreet.org for supporting us in this mission.” comments Nicolas Loeuillet, Director of Ankorstart.

For further details about the contest, prize offerings, and entry procedures, visit https://my.ankorstore.com/open-your-shop.