Autumn Fair 2025, the UK’s largest seasonal showcase for Home, Gift and Fashion, has joined forces with SaveTheHighStreet.org, to launch Retail Makeover Mission, a bold new initiative aimed at revitalising 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 on Tuesday 10 June 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 who are ready to take their business to the next level with expert help, investment and industry-wide exposure. A dream 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, 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.

“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,” says Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director at Autumn Fair. “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.

“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.”

The nationwidecompetition will offer two independent shop owners a chance to transform their business ahead of retail’s peak season. The campaign is looking for bricks-and-mortar businesses across gifting, home and lifestyle, fashion, and garden sectors with strong potential but 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.

Winners of the Complete Business Transformation Package, worth over £10,000 will receive:

• Personal Retail Expert Task Team – Industry-leading specialists providing 20+ hours of intensive, hands-on mentoring directly in store
• Dedicated £1,000 Buying Budget to spend at Autumn fair – New investment to elevate product range with expert guidance on high-impact selections
• Store Makeover Budget – Professional transformation of the retail space with hands-on visual merchandising support
• VIP Trade Show Experience – Premium access to Autumn Fair with travel and accommodation included as well as exclusive networking opportunities
• 6 weeks Access to Thriver – A business growth programme Powered by SaveTheHighStreet.org, with expert coaching and tailored support.
• Industry-Wide PR & Marketing Exposure – Professional coverage and branded assets to showcase your transformation journey

Together, these benefits aim to drive lasting change, visibility, and commercial growth for the selected retailers.

Alex Schlagman, Founding Partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org said: “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.”

Everyone’s a Winner

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. A digital platform designed to support independent retailers with tailored, expert-led business advice, Thriver 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 also gain 3 months of premium access to the platform, giving them ongoing support and resources.

All entrants will also receive:

• Expert-Created Toolkits – Practical resources and guides developed by the specialist task team, covering everything from visual merchandising to customer retention strategies
• Exclusive 1-2-1 Expert Appointments – Personal consultations with retail specialists during Autumn Fair, offering direct access to industry-leading advice tailored to specific needs.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring & Autumn Fair adds: “We’ve come together with SaveTheHighStreet.org because we believe in the future of independent retail. Independent shops are the heartbeat of our communities, and Autumn Fair has always been where those retailers find ideas, inspiration, and opportunity. With Retail Makeover Mission, we’re taking that one step further, not just offering a platform, but becoming a partner in their growth. This initiative is about visibility, transformation, and delivering real, hands-on advice and action, not just theory.”

Retailers can enter at https://www.autumnfair.com/retail-makeover

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.