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Jeremy Vine and his panel of guests discussed the challenges facing the high street going forward in a post-coronavirus Britain on his show on Thursday. Journalist James Mitchinson argued that people needed to realise that if the high street doesn’t get significant support from consumers many will close for good. Conversely, Mr Vine noted that as large companies struggle, this could create a shift in shopping habits for the future.

He suggested the high street could return to that of the 60s and 70s in the UK, with many local and independent businesses rather than franchises.

Mr Mitchinson said: “This is really important to me as a local or regional newspaper editor.

“We campaign hard for our shop local campaign where essentially we encourage people to consider that if they don’t use these small businesses, they will close.

“These are people who have gone out of their way to set up shop and be entrepreneurial.

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“They have tried to enrich the high street and to make the public space really nice to go.

“They have tried to make it a place to mooch around, have a coffee and meet with friends.

“We all need to pause and ponder because if we don’t use these places, the high streets are not going to be attractive places to spend time.”

Mr Vine noted that the high streets could see a major shift if bigger chains struggle, however.

He said: “In a reverse sort of way you may go back to high streets looking like how they did in the 60s and 70s, where there are lots of independent shops.”

Radio presenter and panel guest Shay Grewal admitted this is a real possibility.

She said: “I actually think that is probably the one good news story out of this.

“I remember that my first job, when I was studying in sixth form, was to work at Woolworths and I was so saddened when it shut down.

“But at the time same time, I remember as a young girl going to my local high street and going to this amazing bakers.

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“They used to do the best chocolate eclairs, you couldn’t get them anywhere else.

“You had to go there because it was an independent. I think that is perhaps what we are going to see a return of local businesses and consumers supporters those local retailers.

“It is a shame as I am going to miss going to Top Shop, I’m going to miss not going to Debenhams but we will get through this as we are great in this country as entrepreneurs.”

It comes as Boris Johnson has backed Daily Express campaign Brilliantly British, an initiative which is asking the nation to support homegrown businesses.

The Prime Minister said: “It’s fantastic that the Daily Express is encouraging us all to spread that festive cheer around UK producers, growers, manufacturers and retailers by buying Brilliantly British this December.”

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