INDEPENDENT businesses in Henley say that they have had a mixed trading period in the run-up to Christmas. Some businesses also added that roadworks in the town centre taking place “one after the other” had an impact on trade. Elie El-Choueiry, who has owned Henley Menswear in Duke Street for four years, said customers were being more careful with their money. It dropped a little bit, I would say by 20 per cent, from the beginning of December to the week before Christmas. If people stop shopping at independent businesses, the high street will just become coffee shops, charity shops and chains, like everywhere else.

Source: Express January 05, 2026 09:39 UTC