01 October 2025
Independent retailers are being urged not to fear negative customer reviews, with new evidence showing that embracing feedback - both good and bad - can drive significant business growth and improved customer relationships.
This vital topic is explored in the first episode of the second series of Bira's 'High Street Matters' podcast, "Building Trust - Why Customer Reviews Matter for Independent Retailers".
Treecha/stock.adobe.com
In this insightful episode, Alicia Skubick, Chief Customer Officer at Trustpilot, the world's largest open customer feedback platform, joins Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, in conversation with host Claire Leigh, a former shop owner.
Alicia said: "We talk about a bad review being the start of a better business because it gives you a chance to interact with your customers and look at how you can improve the service you offer."
The episode reveals compelling examples of how customer feedback has transformed businesses.
Andrew shared how a wedding dress shop owner discovered through customer feedback that her changing area environment was putting people off. After simple improvements including music and better facilities, the business saw sales increase by 50%.
Andrew said: "This business picked up on that and now does small tool hire as a service. They saw that hire aspect of their business build and build.
"Independent retailers can really work on that relationship and be a bigger part within that community. That local knowledge and ability to connect with customers is a unique selling proposition that distinguishes the smaller shop from the large chain."
The discussion highlighted the unique advantages independent retailers have over larger chains in building customer relationships.
Alicia shared that peer reviews significantly influence consumers' purchasing decisions, with UK customers up to six times more likely to click an online advertisement with the Trustpilot logo and stars than the same ad without.*
Alicia advised retailers to start simple: "Make sure you've claimed your profile page on Trustpilot, make it customised to reflect your brand, then start automating the invites. Use QR codes or email - just get started asking for those reviews at the right moment in their journey."
The episode provides practical guidance on encouraging reviews, responding to negative feedback professionally, and leveraging customer insights for business improvement, whilst emphasising that incentivising reviews with discounts violates platform policies and compromises authenticity.
Catch up on key industry insights with podcast episodes available now
Worried about negative reviews damaging your business? Think again. In this episode, discover how you can turn customer feedback into your secret weapon for growth.
Watch and listen today, and listen back to Season 1.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Fighting for lower business rates
- Combating the rise of retail crime
- Pushing for greater protection for business owners who are leasing their property
- Demanding more support for high street development
- Ensuring smaller retailers are not disproportionately burdened by upcoming changes in employment regulations
Image credit: Stephen Davies/stock.adobe.com
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