Last year witnessed the closure of an additional 14,000 shops, resulting in 150,000 job losses, according to experts. The Centre for Retail Research has cautioned that the current year is poised to see a comparable number of store shutdowns, further impacting communities nationwide.

The aftermath of the collapse of department store chain Debenhams five years ago continues to affect high streets and shopping areas, with numerous former Debenhams locations remaining vacant or boarded up, some becoming hotspots for criminal activities. The challenges faced by high street businesses persist due to escalating costs, online competition, and financial concerns among consumers.

Stationery chain TG Jones, formerly known as WH Smith’s high street division, is facing financial struggles, with plans to potentially close up to 150 stores, jeopardizing thousands of jobs within its 5,000-strong workforce. Despite acknowledging years of neglect by the previous owner, TG Jones’ CEO, Alex Wilson, remains optimistic about turning the business around.

The retail landscape has seen setbacks with the administration of high street fashion chain Quiz and the closure of over 30 Russell & Bromley shoe stores following Next’s acquisition of the brand, putting 400 jobs at risk. Additionally, supermarket giant Morrisons is reportedly contemplating closing approximately 100 stores across the UK, potentially impacting hundreds of jobs.

Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the Centre for Retail Research, highlighted the continued challenges faced by high streets, exacerbated by increased taxes and wage hikes, making it more costly to employ young and part-time workers. He projected a similar number of store closures and job losses for the current year.

Five years since the closure of the last remaining Debenhams stores, recent research indicates that most former Debenhams sites, particularly prime locations, have been repurposed by retailers like Marks & Spencer, Primark, and Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group. Some locations have been transformed into residential or leisure facilities, with plans to convert others into office spaces or specialized facilities.

While some former Debenhams branches have found new uses, several locations remain unoccupied and neglected, such as the Plymouth outlet labeled a “death trap.” Vacant Debenhams branches also include those in Crawley, Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Redditch, and Southend-on-Sea.