The nature of retail in Cumbria is changing fast with many familiar shops disappearing and customers looking for more than just a purchase.

That’s the message from the creator of a much-loved Cumbria business ahead of a major discussion evening exploring how the sector is evolving and what lies ahead for businesses in the county and beyond.

Diane Hannah, co-founder and director of Herdy, will be on a panel of speakers at the event hosted by networking organiser The Gather at Peter Tyson in Carlisle on Thursday 19 March.

She will be joined by Paul Tyson, managing director at Peter Tyson, Kevin Beaty, co-director of Carlisle BID, and Michael Barry, Assistant Director for Thriving Places at Cumberland Council.

The retail scene in Cumbria is a mixed picture, according to Diane, who said: “Certain hotspots are performing well, while others are facing real challenges.

“In Kendal, for example, the retail landscape has changed significantly over the past two to three years. Reduced footfall has led to the loss of several former anchor stores, and in some places those spaces have been replaced by lower-value retail such as vape and sweet shops, which does little to strengthen the overall offer.

“Rising operating costs are also forcing many independent businesses to shorten opening hours. By contrast, more tourism-driven locations are holding up better, although increasing prices mean visitors and locals alike are being more selective with their spending, particularly on eating out.”

Technology, she added, represented a great opportunity but businesses needed to tailor it to the demands of their customers.

“Customer expectations are rising rapidly, and shoppers increasingly want more than just a transaction - they’re looking for service, experience and convenience,” said Diane.

“Retailers who use technology to personalise experiences, improve efficiency and enhance service will have a real advantage.

“The challenge, particularly for smaller independent retailers, is having the time, skills and investment to adopt these tools while also managing rising costs and a more cautious consumer.”

The evening will feature a panel discussion followed by a Q&A session, and there will also be time for networking with other professionals.

Paul Tyson said: "We are looking forward to hosting The Gather at our Carlisle showroom. As a bricks and mortar and online retailer, we’ve experienced advancements in technology, changes in buying behaviours and social influences over the years.

"With the introduction of AI dominating e-commerce, and physical stores moving to experiential spaces, the future of retail will be a hot topic of discussion on the evening."

The Gather: The Future of Retail at Peter Tyson, Shaddongate, Carlisle, on Thursday March 19 from 5.45pm to 8.15pm. Book here https://thegathernetworking.co.uk/