Nostalgia for the High Street: Remembering Lost Retail Giants
Many fondly remember a bygone era of the high street, from indulging in pick and mix at Woolworths to browsing video rentals at Blockbuster.
For others, cherished memories might include purchasing clothing at C&A, selecting trainers at JJB Sports, or finding the perfect gift at Past Times.
However, traditional brick-and-mortar retail across towns and cities has faced significant challenges in recent decades. The rise of online shopping, accelerated by the pandemic, has profoundly impacted the sector.
Reduced disposable incomes, increased operating costs, and shifting consumer spending patterns have further contributed to the decline, leading to the collapse of numerous well-known brands.
Topshop Teases Potential High Street Return
This week, fashion retailer Topshop and Topman sparked considerable buzz among shoppers with a surprise announcement hinting at a return to physical stores. Five years after their high street departure, a social media post featuring a couple on a rooftop beneath a Topshop sign ignited speculation.
The post transitioned to black, displaying the message: “We missed you too.” Accompanying captions stated: “We’ve been listening.” Furthermore, the website www.topshop.com featured a homepage declaring: “Topshop coming soon,” fueling anticipation of a significant relaunch.
As consumers in Britain express hope for a high street revival of Topshop, we reflect on other prominent brands that have vanished in recent years:
Retail Brands Lost from the High Street
Army & Navy Stores
Established in 1871 as a cooperative for military personnel, this department store chain experienced its peak popularity during the 1950s and 60s, a period marked by expansion. Acquired by House of Fraser in 1973, the remaining stores were rebranded by 2005.
Barratts Shoes
Founded in Northampton in 1903, the shoe retailer, known for its slogan ‘Walk the Barratt Way’, once boasted 400 locations. Facing intense competition from cheaper overseas brands, Barratts entered administration on three occasions between 2009 and 2013.
Blockbuster
Originating in Texas in 1985 and arriving in the UK four years later, the video rental chain later expanded into video games. However, the company filed for bankruptcy in the US in 2010. The final UK store closed in 2013, succumbing to the rise of online rental and streaming services.
British Home Stores (BHS)
A high street fixture for 88 years after its 1928 Brixton inception by American entrepreneurs, BHS, a department store chain, was purchased by Sir Philip Green in 2000. Unable to compete with budget retailers, BHS declared administration in 2016.
C&A
Established in the Netherlands in 1841 by brothers Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer, the clothing chain operated in the UK from 1922 to 2001, becoming a favoured destination for school uniforms. C&A maintains a significant presence in Europe and Brazil, with 1,300 and 300 stores respectively.
Cath Kidston
Cath Kidston, initially an antique curtain dealer, opened her first shop in London in 1987. A second store followed in 1993, showcasing her signature floral print designs across clothing and homewares. The brand entered administration and was acquired by Next in 2023.
Comet
Beginning as a battery charging service for radios in 1933, the electronics retailer opened its inaugural store in Hull in 1968. Despite expanding to 240 stores, Comet struggled to compete with online retailers and went into administration in 2012.
Debenhams
With a history spanning 243 years on UK high streets, Debenhams traced its origins to a drapers store opened by William Clark in London in 1778. The department store’s remaining locations permanently closed in 2021 amidst declining sales, a situation worsened by the pandemic. Boohoo now operates Debenhams as an online retailer.
Dorothy Perkins
Founded in 1909 as a women’s clothing retailer specializing in lingerie, hosiery, and nightwear, Dorothy Perkins was acquired by the Burton Group (later Arcadia) in 1979. All physical stores ceased trading in 2021 following a Boohoo buyout.
Evans
The plus-size womenswear retailer, established in 1930, operated 300 stores across the UK. Evans was the first Arcadia Group brand sold off in 2020, resulting in the closure of all stores. It continues to exist as an online-only brand.
Jane Norman
Another women’s fashion retailer, Jane Norman, launched in 1952, targeting a younger demographic (16-25 year olds). Financial difficulties led owner Edinburgh Woollen Mill to close the chain in 2014, resulting in its high street disappearance.
JJB Sports
Founded in Wigan in 1971 by former footballer Dave Whelan, the sports retail chain reached its peak with 430 stores in the UK and Ireland by 2005. Competition from Sports Direct led to its acquisition by the latter in 2012.
Miss Selfridge
Starting as a department within Selfridges in London in 1966, Miss Selfridge later established its own independent stores. Acquired by Arcadia in 1999 and subsequently sold to Asos in 2021, Miss Selfridge now operates exclusively online.
Mothercare
Opening its first store in Surrey in 1961, Mothercare focused on products for babies and new parents including pushchairs, nursery furniture, and maternity wear. Losses attributed to cost pressures and reduced consumer spending led to the closure of all UK stores in 2019.
Oasis
The first Oasis stores opened in 1991, with the company going public in 1995 and acquiring Coast stores in 1998. Entering administration at the onset of the pandemic, Oasis was later purchased by Boohoo and now operates solely online.
Past Times
Specializing in retro-inspired gifts, Past Times began as a mail-order business in 1986 and opened its first store in Oxford in 1987. Despite reaching nearly 100 stores, the retailer entered administration in 2012, with WH Smith acquiring the brand name.
Safeway
A prominent UK supermarket brand originating in the US in 1962, Safeway was acquired by Morrisons in a £3 billion deal in 2004. Stores were subsequently rebranded or sold off. Morrisons later revived the Safeway name for a selection of products in 2016.
Tammy Girl
Popular among teenage girls in the 1990s and 2000s, the fashion retailer Tammy Girl closed in 2005 after being acquired and integrated into BHS stores. However, owner Daisy Street relaunched the brand online in collaboration with Asos in May 2022.
Texas Homecare
Established in the UK in 1972, Texas Homecare was a DIY chain known for its slogan ‘Texas – The Big One’. Sainsbury’s acquired the business in 1995, with some stores closing and others converting to Homebase by 1999.
The Gadget Shop
Founded in 1991 by Jonathan Elvidge, The Gadget Shop retailed novelty items alongside electronic gadgets. Expansion to 45 stores preceded its administration in 2005, attributed to intense competition from department stores and toy retailers.
Thorntons
The British chocolatier, established in Sheffield in 1911, was acquired by Ferrero of Italy in 2015. Facing challenges from the shift to online retail, intensified by the pandemic, Thorntons closed all its stores in 2021, although the brand persists online.
Toys R Us
The US toy retailer expanded to the UK in 1985, operating over 100 stores. All locations closed in 2018 after the company entered administration, resulting in 2,000 job losses. Toys R Us has since reappeared as concessions within WH Smith stores.
Virgin Megastores
Founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1971, the entertainment retail chain’s Oxford Street store was promoted as ‘Europe’s largest discount record store’. Sold in 2007 amidst strong competition, it became Zaavi, which also closed in 2008.
Warehouse
Clothing retailer Warehouse, established in 1976, opened its first store on London’s Duke Street. Owned by Icelandic bank Kaupthing alongside Oasis, Warehouse entered administration in April 2020. Boohoo later acquired its online business.
Wilko
After operating for over 90 years, home retailer Wilko collapsed in 2023, impacting 400 stores and 12,000 employees. Subsequently, a limited number of stores have reopened following the brand’s acquisition by The Range’s owners.
Woolworths
A beloved high street variety store, Woolworths launched in Liverpool in 1909 and grew to over 800 UK stores. Administration in 2008 led to complete store closures and 27,000 job losses. The brand continues to exist in other countries, including Germany.