There was a time the high street was the heart and soul of any town – always abuzz with people working, shopping and socialising. But now, shutters are down, windows are boarded and ‘For Sale’ signs hang in abundance.
It’s not a real shock. The high street has been struggling for years, thanks to high rents and online shopping, with the shock collapse of Woolworths in 2008 being the first hint times were changing. But the pandemic, lockdown and subsequent economy nose-dive have accelerated the decline, and as we hurtle toward a recession, the high street has become unrecognisable. Experts predict mass redundancies. Many people have already lost their jobs, while 9.5 million remain on furlough, unsure when – and if – they’ll ever return.
High-street heavyweights Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Boots have all announced store closures and job cuts, while 500,000 small, independent businesses could be forced to shut, too. And with UK job-centre claimants rising 126% to 2.8 million since the start of lockdown, it’s a worrying time for everyone. Woman investigates.
‘I WAS MADE REDUNDANT ON THE SPOT’
Alex Cooke, 44, lives in Shipley, Yorkshire, with her daughter, Ruby, 15.
I never regretted my choice to forgo university and go into retail at 18. After a management training course, I worked at House of Fraser as a fashion manager and loved everything about it. It was the hub of the high street, and I enjoyed working in fashion, seeing new products come in and getting to know the locals.
The hours were long, so when I had Ruby in November 2004, I retrained as a college tutor so I could be around more. By the time I went back to the high street, getting a job as a store trainer at Debenhams in 2016, things had changed.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The benefits of waking up early
I can almost feel my daughters rolling their eyes at the thought of me writing about the joys of waking up early.
'Rylan makes me MILLIONS!
The presenter talks about his love life, professional success and his alter ego
GATSBY
He needed a home, but was Maria barking to even consider taking him in?
My mindset MAKEOVER
After losing 4st, the future is bright for Hazel James
Eat more WEIGH LESS
Feel fuller while losing weight with our exclusive plan from Slimming World
Autumn tricks YOU NEED TO KNOW
Stop cold, dark nights disturbing your sleep with these expert cheats
'HARRY WILL NOT BE BACK'
Reports of Prince Harry wanting to return to the UK and royal duties are, I’m told, ‘completely wrong’.
'I'M HONOURED to still be part of Strictly'
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke on the hit show and why he'll never retire
Would you keep CANCER A SECRET?
Model Elle Macpherson revealed she kept her battle with the disease hidden - we find out why many others choose to do the same
'Ruth has handled the split WITH DIGNITY'
Coleen Nolan on grief, supporting Ruth Langsford through divorce and moving in with boyfriend Michael Jones