The Demise of the High Street

[Sarcelle]

With the news of the Debenhams closures plus all the other chains that have shut up shop for good, its clear that the High Street is facing monumental hurdles if they are to survive.

Do you think the High Streets can be revived, and what should facilitate that?

My Debenhams is not on the closure list (yet) and the big space left by BHS has just reopened as H & M. But the whole street has become downbeat, lots of these phone unlocking shops, charity shops, poundshops and coffee chains.

I used to be a spendthrift, reformed now, so I no longer like shopping very much. But when I do the High Street no longer has much to offer me (middle aged woman). Everything seems bad quality. There is a role for Primark but now a lot of shops are following that model, cheap, disposable, man made. I can't remember the last time I bought clothes in M & S, their offer is dire, nothing appeals, surely I am the epitome of their core customer.

There must be something that can be done to attract good quality shops otherwise areas will have no centre or hub, and that will surely make us a more fractured society. Ideas?

I live in a commuter town and our high street has 2 clothes shops, a Costa, 3 supermarkets all small. God knows how many charity shops, and restaurants, takeaways and a few pubs. It's never deserted there are also a few banks/building societies although our bank closed its branch last summer.

I think clothes and shoes are better bought from stores rather than the Internet as you know they will fit and look good on you, before you buy. How often do you get the advice to order a few and then return the ones you don't want. Great if the sizes are reliable and you can afford to buy more than you need, and then the hassle of returning them and chasing for refunds.

The rents need to come down for smaller retailers to be able to afford them

Hidden, our M and S closes on Saturday too. Not that it's a very good one. Was in the Newcastle M and S a couple of weeks ago - it's a whole other world!

I agree re the opening hours, I would love to nip into town after work but they shut at 5.30, it’s archaic and really highlights how the high street has not moved with the times.

The government doing more to help small independent businesses is so vital. Have seen three really lovely indies close by us recently, even though very popular and always busy, because the overheads were so stupidly high.