The UK high street is gradually becoming more boutique, to appeal to a wider audience.

The UK high street is adapting to become more independent-led, according to new research.

Figures from Simply Business suggest that the streets of Britain are becoming more boutique focused, as retailers attempt to attract increasingly discerning customers and compete with large shopping centres.

Over 30,000 independent retailers across the country were analysed by the small business insurers, which found that while the high street may be famed for cafes, pubs and takeaways at present, it is gradually becoming a haven for savvy shoppers.

Specialist outlets, including tea rooms and health food shops, are becoming popular, with independent retailers continuously focusing on delivering a high quality consumer experience.

This includes paying attention to the finer details such as store layout, branding, music, ambience and special touches, which could comprise of personalised gift bags, in-store events or loyalty schemes.

Retailers may have suffered recently as consumers tighten their belts, according to new figures from the British Retail Consortium.

Year-on-year footfall was shown to be down by 5.5 per cent, however, independent retailers are embracing these changes, reacting dynamically to a new retail landscape by offering unique, one-off purchases and experiences.

Supermarkets may appear to dominate much of the retail industry, but the study found that, in fact, butchers and bakeries have both increased in number, further suggesting that fears of a chain revolution are premature. Local butchers and bakeries have enjoyed a revival with 21 and 17 per cent more opening, respectively.

Recession-friendly shops which allow consumers to make their own items, including home baking stores, fabric haberdashers and arts and crafts retailers, are all faring well in the current trading conditions as well. Fabric shops have risen by 44 per cent, with baking outlets up by 50 per cent and the number of art and craft shops jumping by 29 per cent in the past year.