High street chains leave Richmond

By The Editor 30th Jul 2020

This is the state of the former Topshop and Topman store in Richmond.

The fashion retailer has shut its doors for good and the shop in George Street has been semi-stripped out.

Mannequins, empty furniture and clothes rails can be seen inside. There are stools, odd boxes, cans of paint and photographs of Topshop models on the ground floor.

Near the stairs which would lead up to Topman, an umbrella and loose plastic bag litters the floor.

There is a group of fire extinguishers near the hand rail.

A message on its website reads: "Our store at Richmond has permanently closed. You can find your closest store at Kingston Upon Thames, Croydon & White City."

Many high street chains were in severe financial difficulties before the Covid-19 pandemic and having to close for four months throughout lockdown has only increased their problems.

Topshop, the centrepiece in retail magnate Philip Green's Arcadia Group, is offering shoppers a range of enticements including "up to 50% off everything" for a limited time only and savings of up to 70% across hundreds of style ranges.

Shoppers signing up to its mailing list can also get 15% off their first order.

An ever-changing situation

Across the road in George Street, Vision Express has shut.

A notice in the window reads: "We have made the decision to close our stores.

"All pre-booked/ routine appointments have been cancelled.

"All glasses and contact lens orders will now be sent free of course via Hermes to your home address. We will contact you to give you an update on delivery by the end of the week.

"This is an ever-changing situation. We will continue to ensure we follow the latest guidelines from the relevant authorities. Any further information will be communicated on our website and social media channels.

"Thanks to our dedicated employees for their hard work during this challenging time. We hope you and your loved ones are safe."

The biggest departure from Richmond is yet to come.

House of Fraser, a five-floor department store, is closing in September.

Richmond Nub News last week reported the plans to turn it into a high-spec office block that will appeal to "big-name companies", with the lower floors for retail and leisure.