How value operators are reshaping the high street and beyond

Over the past decade, there has been a persistent narrative about the ‘death of the high street’, but far from dying, we see the high street evolving – and value operators are helping to lead that change.

Working at Aldi, and now The Gym Group, I have seen how high value, low cost operators have changed how people consume, shop and think about price. The sectors may differ, but the fundamentals are the same: operational discipline, data-led decision-making and a clear understanding of what customers truly value.

And that definition of value has changed. Price still matters, but people now weigh it alongside convenience, experience and accessibility. That mindset drives our approach at The Gym Group – applying the same discipline to site selection, design and service as we do to pricing. Each location is built to deliver a great member experience and create lasting value for the property it sits within.

That alignment between business model and property performance is becoming increasingly important. Today’s landlords are not just seeking tenants; they’re looking for dependable partners who contribute to the long term vitality of their property developments and estates. In that context, the low cost gym model has established a meaningful role on high streets and in local communities across the country.

Fitness is no longer seen as discretionary, it’s part of the social infrastructure of local communities, driving regular and dependable, all-day footfall and supporting surrounding occupiers. Combining this with long term occupancy helps underpin low cost gym operators as stable asset performers for landlords.

This plays out across high street’s that are adapting to changing footfall, retail parks repositioning around everyday convenience and mixed-use developments seeking to strengthen their proposition. Our data-led approach means we can fit effectively into a diverse range of different property formats, often repurposing existing buildings and helping bring new life to underused assets. It’s a model that works commercially, but it also contributes positively to the wider urban fabric and helps regenerate and evolve the UK high street.

For landlords, that consistency and adaptability matters. Leisure operators such as gyms are proving resilient to economic cycles because they serve a fundamental consumer need: wellbeing and community. Membership numbers may flex, but the underlying demand for accessible fitness remains strong.

Deloitte’s latest leisure tracker highlights a rise in gym and sports participation across the UK and our own data shows Gen Z (aged 16-28) spending 17% more on fitness year-on-year. The underlying trend is clear, physical activity is now a fundamental part of people’s lifestyles, prioritised in their everyday spending and routines. Health and wellness overall is a trend that is not going away, and as a result, gyms have earned a rightful place around UK retail and leisure destinations.

The lesson from value retail still applies – disciplined, evidence-based expansion builds trust. And trust is what underpins the best partnerships between operators and property owners. As a sector, we’re collectively learning that growth and stability are not mutually exclusive, they reinforce each other when done thoughtfully.

Looking ahead, the success of value operators will increasingly depend on collaboration. As high streets and retail parks evolve into mixed-use destinations, value-driven businesses can serve as anchors of everyday life, bringing consistency, accessibility and affordability to spaces that once relied on more traditional retail. For investors and landlords, this means building partnerships with operators that are commercially resilient and socially relevant.

Accessible, value-led models aren’t just good for consumers, they are good for the social value delivered in communities and for the long term health of the property sector itself. Far from symbolising the death of the high street, they show how it can evolve, adapt and thrive once again.