The end of Debenhams in the high street

[inbetween]

At one time, because of the nature of the business that Debenhams is/was, Debenhams will have put a lot of small businesses out of business when they took off.

Although, I do feel for the 12,000 who’ve lost their jobs.

But everything evolves.

Even before Covid, we were all working so many hours and we are all too knackered or too busy at weekends to go out of our way shopping at big department stores. Or, if you’re like me, wouldn’t go shopping on weekend if you paid me. So a lot of us started to look online.

Also these big nationwide department stores that do a bit of everything but specialise in nothing, had their time; but I think people are actually starting to prefer to shop at local shops and specialist shops these days. I know if I was looking for a rug or a set of cutlery or a bath towel set, I’d rather go to individual rug, kitchen, and bathroom shops than shop at places like Debenhams.

I’d rather go to a local indie coffee shop than Costa and especially Starbucks.

I’ve even searched out some local clothing brands and local clothing retailers recently, and started buying their stuff or gear from their local shop instead of just going for the same old big brands or to big department stores.

I’d hope that the future of shopping comes full circle back to more local small businesses. Especially when Covid is behind us, with being out of the EU n’all; not only make sure you buy British, but buy locally from local businesses!

Debenhams has been conning people for years. In the late 90's all they sold were overpriced 'brands' which are still for sale today albeit heavily discounted because people now won't buy them because there's better elsewhere.

It isn't that people aren't shopping on the high street, Next, Zara and other clothes shops are thriving because they've adapted to the times. They shook up their online models, made it slick and opened home shops which are also thriving. M&S has caught onto this and many of their stores now just sell food or home stuff.

Me and the mrs will drive to Liverpool to go in the nearest H&M Home or Horwich for Next at Home, we won't drive up the road into town to go into Debenhams for any reason.

It's a massive shame for the jobs but this is a result of bad management, it has nothing to do with the internet ruining everything like many people keep claiming.

 

[jimharri]

That walk from PiccStn > PiccGdns > Market Street has to be one of the worst stretches of any supposedly decent city’s city centre anywhere in the world.

Anytime on any day, it’s like a scene out of an end-of-the-world film.

Where's Peoffrey when you need him?

 

[Scottyboi]

Boring shop, wonder who will takeover the spot in the Trafford centre.

 

[jimharri]

Boring shop, wonder who will takeover the spot in the Trafford centre.

Fortnum and Mason?

 

[Scottyboi]

Fortnum and Mason?

Just looked em up, looks pretentious enough for it haha.

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

That walk from PiccStn > PiccGdns > Market Street has to be one of the worst stretches of any supposedly decent city’s city centre anywhere in the world.

Anytime on any day, it’s like a scene out of an end-of-the-world film.

That's so true and very sad. The state of Picc Gardens is a stain on the city of Manchester. It's one of the few places I have seen street drug dealers operating with total impunity. In most other cities they operate in more reclusive spots not in plain sight in one of the main central squares. The police (and the council) should hang their heads in shame at the situation in Picc Gardens. It's a disgrace.

 

[jimharri]

Just looked em up, looks pretentious enough for it haha.

You never heard of F&M? Bloody pleb.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

Town is a shit hole, I am hoping the new working from home culture shift will make small town and village centres thrive again.

At least I won’t have to walk through Piccadilly Gardens to get to Market St for something to wear.

I agree. The city centre is an absolute dump. I’m surprised when I hear out of towners say how great Manchester is (centre).

It’s losing its identity and is just becoming like everywhere else - unaffordable flats/ glass buildings. The most unique thing about it, is all the drug dealers in the so called gardens

 

[worsleyweb]

I agree. The city centre is an absolute dump. I’m surprised when I hear out of towners say how great Manchester is (centre).

It’s losing its identity and is just becoming like everywhere else - unaffordable flats/ glass buildings. The most unique thing about it, is all the drug dealers in the so called gardens

with all due respect the glass buildings are improving it!

 

[Blue Mist]

Heres a novel idea for Debs Manchester, divide the ground floor up into smaller units for new, small retailers and convert all the upper floors into affordable housing, either rental or private, for key workers, nurses, cleaners etc.