More high street chains have closed their shops in Richmond for good.

The Covid-19 pandemic has wrecked the finances of numerous businesses and many will not be recovering from months of limited trading activity during lockdown.

Yesterday we reported that WH Smith was cutting 1,500 jobs, throwing the George Street store into sudden uncertainty.

Richmond Nub News revealed that a property investment firm was in advanced stages of its plans to repurpose the House of Fraser building once the department store closes in September.

Last week we reported that Topshop and Vision Express had closed their stores in Richmond. But they are not alone.

TM Lewin

TM Lewin is not reopening any of its 77 UK stores and the company plans to trade exclusively on its website.

Its chief executive Sven Gaede said in a statement: "Sadly, with the recent event of TM Lewin going into administration the decision has been made that our stores, domestic to the UK and Internationally, will not be reopening.

"We would like to thank all of the dedicated people who made these stores great places to work and shop, as well as our customers, many of whom have patronised our stores for a great period of time."

Moss Bros

Another suitwear and fashion label, Moss Bros, has also left the town.

The photo at the top of this story shows the empty unit where it used to be in the row of shops under the arches on Hill Street.

Byron Burger

Across the road, Byron Burger will not be reopening.

It was announced this week that the troubled company had been bought out - again - by an investment firm.

But the takeover means the closure of 31 of its restaurants and 650 people losing their jobs.

The restaurant in Richmond, unfortunately, was not one of the six in London which were saved.

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