
Debenhams the most missed high street store, study finds
As more stores shut down nationwide, the experts at Liquidation Centre have analysed search data to reveal which former brand names consumers want to see back on our high streets.
The top ten High Street brands consumers want back based on the average monthly search volume across the UK, are as follows:
Debenhams is the retailer that most consumers want to see back on their highstreets, with a huge 499,000 average monthly online searches. Boohoo bought the brand and its website in 2021, but didn't buy its high street stores, which eventually closed down.
Richard Hunt, Director at Liquidation Centre offers expert insight on the demise of household brands, and key lessons for today's retailers on how to stay relevant in an evolving and competitive market.
He said: 'The current economic climate poses increasing risks to businesses, especially those in the retail sector. It is much easier to lose consumers than to retain them, which is why regular market research and competitor analysis are so essential. Staying ahead of the curve as conditions evolve is critical to long-term survival.
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'As we've seen, poor financial management and decisions have contributed to the downfall of several once-iconic household brands, proving how crucial it is to have effective financial strategies and management in place.'
'For businesses facing financial strain, the first step is to thoroughly assess all revenue streams and expenses. Exploring debt management options and cutting unnecessary costs where feasible is key. This might include negotiating with creditors, landlords, or suppliers to ease financial pressure and begin recovery.'
'If a business reaches the point where liquidation becomes a risk, swift action is vital. Seeking advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner (IP) can help clarify your options and potentially avoid insolvency altogether.'
What shops do you miss? What would you like to see back on the high street?
Get in touch and let us know.

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6 hours ago
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The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Poundland is shutting 15 stores in just HOURS after unveiling tranche of closures – is one going near you?
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Darren MacDonald, retail director at Poundland, said: "While our anticipated network of around 650-700 stores remains sizeable, it is of course, sincerely regrettable that we're closing a number of stores to allow us to get us back on track. "We entirely understand how disappointing it will be for customers when a store nearby closes, but we look forward to continuing to welcome them to one of our other locations. "Work is underway to with colleagues through a formal consultation process in stores scheduled to close, exploring any suitable alternative roles." Poundland to be sold for JUST £1 as frontrunner for shock takeover is revealed after wave of store closures The following Poundland stores will close permanently on August 17: Bedford Bidston Moss Broxburn Craigavon Dartmouth East Dulwich Falmouth Hull St Andrews Newtonabbey Perth Poole Sunderland Stafford Thornaby Worcester An additional 12 locations will shut on August 24: Brigg Canterbury Coventry Newcastle Kings Heath Peterborough Peterlee Rainham Salford Sheldon Wells Whitechapel Finally, on August 31, the following branches will also close: Blackburn Cookstown Erdington Kimberley Kimberley Shopping Centre, Nottingham Horsham Hull Holderness Kettering Omagh Shepherds Bush Southport Taunton Currently, Poundland operates 800 stores nationwide, but the company hopes to significantly reduce this number to between 650 and 700. This includes the 68 stores closing as part of the restructuring, as well as additional stores shutting when leases expire and are not renewed. 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Pepco cited "highly challenging trading conditions" for the drop, with Poundland facing struggles across all product categories and experiencing 18 net store closures during that period. Why are retailers closing stores? RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis. High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going. However, additional costs have added further pain to an already struggling sector. The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs from April will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40. 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Leader Live
15 hours ago
- Leader Live
Debenhams the most missed high street store, study finds
August is set to see many more high street stores closing down across the UK, as retailers continue to struggle with competing in a difficult economic climate. Among these, huge brands such as Game, Poundland, Holland and Barrett, and River Island will close their doors in various locations this month. As more stores shut down nationwide, the experts at Liquidation Centre have analysed search data to reveal which former brand names consumers want to see back on our high streets. The top ten High Street brands consumers want back based on the average monthly search volume across the UK, are as follows: Debenhams is the retailer that most consumers want to see back on their highstreets, with a huge 499,000 average monthly online searches. Boohoo bought the brand and its website in 2021, but didn't buy its high street stores, which eventually closed down. Richard Hunt, Director at Liquidation Centre offers expert insight on the demise of household brands, and key lessons for today's retailers on how to stay relevant in an evolving and competitive market. He said: 'The current economic climate poses increasing risks to businesses, especially those in the retail sector. It is much easier to lose consumers than to retain them, which is why regular market research and competitor analysis are so essential. Staying ahead of the curve as conditions evolve is critical to long-term survival. MOST READ: Cheers to the winner of Leader Pub of the Year 2025 Traveller site refused despite family 'having nowhere else to live' Wales & West Utilities issues update on 'nightmare' roadworks in Mold 'As we've seen, poor financial management and decisions have contributed to the downfall of several once-iconic household brands, proving how crucial it is to have effective financial strategies and management in place.' 'For businesses facing financial strain, the first step is to thoroughly assess all revenue streams and expenses. Exploring debt management options and cutting unnecessary costs where feasible is key. This might include negotiating with creditors, landlords, or suppliers to ease financial pressure and begin recovery.' 'If a business reaches the point where liquidation becomes a risk, swift action is vital. Seeking advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner (IP) can help clarify your options and potentially avoid insolvency altogether.' What shops do you miss? What would you like to see back on the high street? Get in touch and let us know.