13 beloved brands that have disappeared from the high street - as more shops under threat
The British high street is undergoing an unprecedented and painful transformation. A new report from the Centre for Retail Research paints a stark picture, revealing that over 2,205 stores have closed their doors for good in 2025 alone, with thousands of jobs lost as a result. While the rise of online shopping is often blamed, experts say the crisis runs much deeper. "The decline of our high streets is not just about the odd shop shutting down," says Joshua Bamfield, director of the Centre for Retail Research. "The problems of changed customer shopping habits, inflation, rising energy costs, rents and business rates have continued and forced many retailers to cut back even more strongly." This has forced once-thriving chains to scale back or, in some cases, disappear entirely, leaving behind familiar, empty storefronts.
This grim reality is hitting close to home for some of the UK's most cherished brands. Bodycare has already entered administration, closing dozens of its stores. Claire's Accessories is also fighting for its future after filing for administration, while even discount giants like Poundland have been forced into a major restructuring, with dozens of stores on the chopping block. The future of these and other beloved high street names hangs in the balance as they contend with a retail landscape that's shifted dramatically.
While not a sudden shock to those who followed the business, Debenhams's final closure was a profound moment for the British high street. It was a centuries-old institution and a key "anchor store" in towns and cities. Its disappearance left massive, empty buildings and created a domino effect, contributing to the decline of shopping centres.
In April, Mr Brown claimed in a statement that government measures added "approximately £200,000" to the company's operating costs, stating: "We have been confident in the future until the new budget was announced."