UK high streets: retailers that did not live to see 2021

 

This year has been particularly difficult for everyone, especially for the UK high streets. Indeed, with the coronavirus, the lockdowns, temporary closures, social distancing and the reduced number of tourists, shops have been experiencing a considerable decrease in sales. While some have managed to survive by moving online, restructuring their business or cutting jobs, others could not save themselves. Let's have a look at some of the retailers that disappeared from the market this year.

Beales
This department store chain is 139 years old. Opening its doors more than a century ago, it employed 1,050 people before announcing its first closures. Its outlets welcomed visitors for the last time in March just when things started to get bad. Beales fell into administration and there were plans to close only 12 of its 23 stores. However, a deal could not be concluded with potential buyers and it had to shut down all of its shops.

TM Lewin
This retailer was already in troubled waters and the fact that sales of formal menswear dived after the pandemic did not help. Early in 2020, the brand was acquired by Stonebridge Private Equity through its subsidiary Torque Brands. Nonetheless, just two months later, the new owners announced that they will be closing all of its physical outlets: 66 shops. However, consumers can still get clothes from TM Lewin since all sales have moved online.


TM Lewin sells formal menswear © Royalty free image

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