Oxford Street has long been hailed as one of the UK’s and Europe’s top shopping destinations, however in recent years London’s retail hotspot has been looking worse for wear.
The iconic Topshop flagship has closed down, both House of Fraser and Debenhams department stores remain empty and endless American candy stores and luggage shops have popped up.
M&S boss Stuart Machin claimed last month that the street was on its knees.
“The effects of Covid have brought a street that was once the jewel of UK shopping to its knees,” he said.
“Footfall remains 30% down on already dwindling pre-pandemic levels, with recovery in Oxford Street trailing its near cousins in Bond Street and Regent Street, both of which have benefitted from significant redevelopment and investment.”
Retail Gazette takes a look at some of the shopfronts that are hurting Oxford Street’s reputation as a shopping mecca.
Luggage shops aplenty
A far cry from its heyday, tatty gift and luggage shops are a all-too-familiar sight on the famous shopping street. Some have garish sales signs in the window hoping to attract tourists passing by, while others seem completely closed.
Cheap clothes – you can’t take back
Move over Shein, because ultra-cheap clothing stores stocking £5 dresses can also be found if you take a stroll down Oxford Street.
Just make sure you’re happy before purchasing because these two chains – Mia and Mina London – do not offer refunds or exchanges.
Derelict shops
The strip is also full of various vacant or derelict storefronts, some just next door to large retail flagships creating quite a stark contrast.
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3 Comments. Leave new
Oxford Street is simply joining the other high streets around the UK. Nothing to see here move along please.
Agree with Chris A. above: Oxford Street is just another example of the general decline in the physical retail market. A lack of occupational demand has led to all these vacancies and pop-up shops; if the landlord could let these shops to genuine retailers, they would.
I lived just off Oxford Street in the early 90’s and it held little attraction back then too – luggage and “souvenir” shops galore. Dour grey pavement, copious fumes coming from busses and taxis. A very unattractive street. It has not changed much in 30 years as the pavement is still dour grey, the busses and taxis still spew out fumes and the luggage and souvenir shops are still all over the place. On a European level, without doubt the most neglected “primary street” there is