Iconic electrical retailer Comet is back more than a decade after it closed its doors. That’s cause for celebration as it’s not often that lost names make a return.
The UK high street has changed a lot in recent years, particularly as many retailers shut up shop for good as they became casualties of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sadly though, shops closing - and having economic and socio-cultural factors contribute to this - is nothing new. As our gallery below shows, there are many stores that have disappared from our high street in the last 20 years or so.
Some of these brand names have gone altogether, while others have re-branded or launched as online only companies. Take a look through our gallery and see which ones you remember.
13. Toys R Us
Toys R Us first opened here in the UK in 1985. At its peak, the chain had over 105 stores in the country. The company entered administration in early 2018, and all stores closed within months. It’s good news though, as Toys R Us returned online in 2022. Some Toys “R” Us branded concessions are available in WHSmith stores. | Ricochet64 - stock.adobe.com
14. Safeway
Safeway was a discount grocery brand, with a chain of supermarkets across the UK from the 1960s. It was sold to Morrisons in 2004, and the brand disappeared altogether in 2005. Morrisons revived the brand name in 2016, with a range of products within its stores. | jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com
15. La Senza
La Senza was a go to place for ladies who wanted new lingerie in the 1990s and 2000s. The company entered difficulties from around 2011, and by 2014 all the stores had closed countrywide as the brand entered administration for the second time. | La Senza
16. Adams Kids
Adams Kids was a children’s clothing retailer which began life in 1993. The store went in to administration three times between 2006 and 2021, before finally then closing for good. | Getty Images