The London Bridge Retail Strategy launch

London Bridge has changed dramatically during the past decade or so, including the completion of More London and The Shard Quarter, through to the major redevelopment of London Bridge Station. 

One thing that has remained consistent throughout this time is the demand, and opportunity, for a dramatic increase in the retail and leisure offering across the area. Today, London Bridge comprises over 170 retailers, from high street brands to independents, with the recent redevelopment of London Bridge Station bringing Network Rail’s largest ever retail offering.

In recognition of this growth, the London Bridge Retail Strategy and Action Plan were launched on March 6th at Science Gallery London, at Team London Bridge’s 2019 AGM. 

Over four months our consultants Kellaway and The Strategic Insights Company researched and consulted with businesses, making their recommendations in the context of UK retail sector insights, local consumer behaviour and the culture/leisure offer in London Bridge. 

A key to success for many businesses was identified as creating emotional connections with customers and understanding their time-poor mindset, whist a consistent challenge across the wider area was that of wayfinding and signposting of businesses. 

Our Action Plan breaks some key action points down into:

• Communications – evolving perceptions, focusing on mindset of consumers 

• Public Realm – must be welcoming, activated and easy to navigate 

• Community and Experience – utilising the culture offer, building a ‘community’ of consumers

• Changing Behaviours – opening hours, click and collect, simplifying routines

• Marketing – food trails, promotions, events

Team London Bridge's vision is to curate a dynamic and evolving neighbourhood of contrasting and complementary experiences centred on a global reputation for food, commerce, history and culture. Find out more at www.teamlondonbridge.co.uk/retail

Team London Bridge will be working with our partners to develop projects around these themes. Businesses and landowners can already collaborate with Team London Bridge on established projects, including:

• The DealCard

• Arts and culture programming

• Public realm enhancements

•  Online communications

•  Events and experiences, i.e. Love Lunch

To talk to the team and see how you could collaborate, contact donald@teamlondonbridge.co.uk

Thank you to all the businesses and members of the community that contributed to the development of this work.