Marks & Spencer recently lost a legal battle in Scotland against Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure to prevent a mobile phone mast being installed on the roof of their flagship store in Edinburgh. M&S were opposed to the installation of a new telecoms mast citing concerns about their staff being exposed to radiation.

With the Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill receiving Royal Assent in England last December, paving the way for the installation of even more masts across the country will the floodgates open for more masts on our high street and further drive fashion and luxury brands out?

Maybe not.

Although it is no secret that the retail industry has not fared well over the last few years with online shopping, Covid closures, the cost-of-living crisis and business rate reform pushing companies into insolvency and the permanent closure of stores, and while the forecast seemed bleak for a while is there some light at the end of the tunnel for premium bricks and mortar shopping in the UK?

The shift in investor priorities, rising online marketing costs and business rate reform hitting the logistic market with unexpected increases the cost for online brands has become more expensive, making many consider a move back to bricks and mortar retail.

For companies to survive the challenges of going back to physical shopping they will need to invest in transforming the customer experience. Shoppers no longer want long queues, heaving stores and fast fashion, they are now looking for sustainability and innovation. This is especially true for high end fashion and luxury brands who are all about the customer experience.

It seems the changing concerns of today's customers suits the fashion and luxury sector and gives these brands a unique opportunity to thrive even in these current tough economic times.

Whether the installation of more telecoms masts on the high street will happen and ultimately drive companies and customers away remains to be seen. But for now, at least, the outlook gives retail companies something to be positive about.