Indie retailers are struggling to survive, according to The Fed | News

The majority of indie retailers are struggling to survive, grappling with rising costs, retail crime and the impact of illicit trade, according to a new survey by The Fed.

When the trade body asked retailers ‘Does the combined impact of rising retail crime, employment costs, goods and services costs, energy costs and the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill make it harder for your business to survive?’, a staggering 96% said yes.

A further shocking statistic revealed that 66% had noticed an increase in the level of retail crime incidents in their stores since January 2025.

The vast majority (86%) said they would not be able to afford improved security measures over the next 12 months to tackle increasing levels of retail crime.

Moreover, 87% felt that local authorities and Trading Standards had not done enough to curb the trade in illicit goods.

The survey also asked retailers for their views on the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill and what effect this would have on their business.

A whopping 95% believed more shoppers would turn to illicit traders to buy tobacco and vape products if the proposed restrictions are implemented, while 97% said the government needs to carry out more consultation with the retail community, particularly small businesses.

Commenting on the survey results, The Fed’s National President Mo Razzaq said: “The figures revealed by the survey are disturbing, but they are not really surprising. Independent retailers are being hit from all sides, with criminals who steal from our shops and attack us and our staff largely going unpunished, and soaring costs and increased legislation pushing more retailers ever nearer to being forced to closing their doors for good.

“We have repeatedly warned the government in no uncertain terms that independent retail is on the brink of disaster unless our industry receives the support it so desperately needs to survive.”

The Fed is to make the government aware of these results to further reinforce the ”very real, serious problems” the industry is facing.