Six high street brands that have disappeared from Southampton
With its two shopping centres and its thriving high street, Southampton has always been a popular shopping destination on the south coast.
But, like many other places in the UK, it has not been immune to the impact of three Covid lockdowns and, more recently, the cost of living crisis.
Big names have been forced to bid farewell to the city in the past few years due to financial and economic pressures - often leaving gaps which are hard to fill.
It's worth noting other businesses have since made Southampton their home, with a total of 22 bars and restaurants opening up in the new year.
Westquay has also welcomed new stores this year, including a bubble tea shop and a women's activewear store.
Below are some of the most famous brands to have left Southampton of late:
Next in West Quay retail park (Image: Newsquest)
Next Home and Children
Situated in West Quay retail park, Next Home and Children is the latest retailer to pull out of the city.
Opened in the summer of 2010, the store's last opening day was Saturday, March 11.
The company declined to comment about the closure when approached by the Daily Echo.
Paperchase
For stationary fans, this was a hard pill to swallow.
Paperchase closed its Westquay store permanently after going into administration on January 31.
Tesco bought the high street brand but not its workforce or stores.
Victoria's Secret in Westquay (Image: Newsquest)
Victoria's Secret
Many shoppers were left disappointed when the lingerie brand shut down its store in October last year.
The high-end retailer moved out of administration and into liquidation last year.
But now, the future of the vacant site look promising as luxury jewellery Laings has decided to take over the store.
Laings is planning to turn the shop into a showroom three times the size of its existing premises.
Pret A Manger in Westquay (Image: Newsquest)
Pret A Manger
Morning rush coffee hasn't been the same since Pret A Manger closed its city centre shop.
The store, which served sandwiches, soups, salads, and more, closed in January.
It's understood managers couldn't reach an agreement with the landlord and the lease was up for renewal.
The Burgess Road branch remains open.
Debenhams in Queensway (Image: Newsquest)
Debenhams
Going back to the early days of the pandemic, Debenhams was among the first retail giants to go bust.
The store in Queensway, like all other Debenhams branches across the country, closed down after the company went into administration in March 2020.
Since the closure, the prominent unit has been sitting empty, with litter and rats spotted inside.
The building is to make way for 607 new homes after Southampton Estates Ltd submitted proposals to redevelop the site.
Toys R Us site at Western Esplanade (Image: Newsquest)
Toys 'R' Us
Toys 'R' Us was once the go-to destination for parents and children looking for toys and games.
However, the iconic retailer closed the Southampton site in 2018, marking the end of an era for many generations of shoppers.
The building has been bought by Packaged Living and Fiera Real Estate with plans to turn it into student housing, offices, homes, and parking.
Which big high street name do you miss the most? Tell us in the comments.