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.
29. Debenhams
Founded in 1778, Debenhams grew into one of Britain's best-known department store chains. It expanded throughout the 20th century, becoming famous for its fashion, beauty, homeware and exclusive designer collections, eventually operating more than 100 stores across the UK. However, it went into liquidation in December 2020. Online retailer Boohoo bought its brand and website for £55million in January 2021 and it's final stores closed in May that year. Debenhams still operates as an online department store.
30. Wilko
High street chain Wilko was a staple of the British high street, but fell into administration in August 2023 - more than 90 years after it began as a single hardware shop in Leicester. All the shops were closed by October that year. Image by Abobe Photos. | VV Shots - stock.adobe.com
31. Ted Baker
No Ordinary Designer Label Limited (NODL), the business behind Ted Baker's UK shops, fell into administration in March 2024. All of the shops closed by that summer, but it was relaunched online the same November. By 2025, some Ted Baker items were available to buy in some concessions stores again, such as Selfridges. In October this year, the brand opened a new tailored menswear concept store called Ted Baker Tailored in London. (Photo by Nicholas.T.Ansell/PA Wire) Photo: Nicholas.T.Ansell
32. Founded in Chicago in 1961, Claire’s Accessories officially launched on British high streets in 1996. It quickly became a favourite among teenagers and tweens, with its colourful shops, affordable jewellery, friendship bracelets, hair accessories and ear-piercing services. The business entered administration again in January this year. By April, all standalone stores had closed. However, the brand's story may not be over, with plans subsequently emerging for a new operator to bring Claire's back to UK high streets with around 50 stores.
Founded in Chicago in 1961, Claire’s Accessories officially launched on British high streets in 1996. It quickly became a favourite among teenagers and tweens, with its colourful shops, affordable jewellery, friendship bracelets, hair accessories and ear-piercing services. The business entered administration again in January this year. By April, all standalone stores had closed. However, the brand's story may not be over, with plans subsequently emerging for a new operator to bring Claire's back to UK high streets with around 50 stores.