The Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) is a group of 21 trade associations, each representing different sectors within the UK’s Independent Retail industry.

  • In this regular quarterly survey, we ask businesses to give us their top-level view of the trading environment.
  • As an organisation that supports and represents the independent high street, we would also like to build a picture of success so that we can begin a campaign of promotion to the media, press and government, to benefit all.
  • These survey questions are designed to be easy and quick to answer.
  • The data obtained is strictly confidential, is used to help shape our representation of the independent sector and the discussions we have with government representatives, local authorities and other industry stakeholders.
  • The results of this survey may also be communicated to members at a later stage.

Please note this survey refers to calendar year quarters (i.e. Q1 = January to March).

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* 1. How did your Q1 2025 (Jan-Mar) trading compare to the previous quarter (Q4 2024 - Oct-Dec)?

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* 2. Please share anything you would like to say about Q1 2025 (Jan-Mar) compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2024 - Oct-Dec)
e.g. why sales were down, up or the same:

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* 3. How did your Q1 2025 (Jan-Mar) trading compare to the same period in the previous year (Q1 2024 - Jan-Mar)?

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* 4. Please share anything you would like to say about Q1 2025 (Jan-Mar) compared to the same period in the previous year (Q1 2024 - jan-Mar)
e.g. why sales were down, up or the same:

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* 5. How confident are you about business in Q2 2025 (Apr-Jun)?

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* 6. Is there anything you wish to tell us about your answer to the confidence question (Question 5):

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* 7. How confident are you about business for the rest of 2025 (Jul-Dec) ? (Choose one of the following):

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* 8. Is there anything you wish to tell us about your answer to the confidence question (Question 7):

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* 9. We are keen gather and share some positives that might be happening amidst all the negative news that the media chooses to focus on.

Please let us know of any positive things happening in your business or with other businesses in your area that you feel we should be aware of.

This might be an amazing incentive that is driving customers to your business or your town, or something that you or your neighbouring businesses are doing to help your local community.

Please include as much information as possible and feel free to include links to any relevant websites or social media posts.

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* 10. With regard to your business' location, please give us a little information about the type of business you operate and the different types of neighbouring businesses in your immediate area.

What you would consider to be your community's ideal blend of businesses? What would you like to see that adds to the perfect high street?

Please include as much information as you like and feel free to include street names or any other information you feel would benefit your answer.

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* 11. To help us build a geographical picture of the data, please enter your main business postcode

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* 12. Would you be happy to be contacted for a quote or to be used as a case study?

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* 13. If yes, please leave your contact details below

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