Today marks the end of the national lockdown, and although some parts of the country still find themselves in Tier 3, London has been placed in Tier 2 which means retail shops have been allowed to re-open.
Oxford Street has been busy from the early morning with customers flocking to shops such as Primark and JD sports which have been sorely missed by many during Lockdown 2.0.
https://twitter.com/aiiimansheeraz/status/1333928087755640835
Primark recently released a list of 11 of their stores which will be open 24 hours a day after December 2, including the stores in Bluewater, Stratford and White City. Press here to find out which ones will be open 24 hours.
Moreover, Debenhams on Oxford Street saw a queue of customers, hoping to get their hands on some discount deals after the company announced its closure earlier this week after being in business for an impressive 242 years.
The department store has slashed prices by up to 70% which led to the online site crashing after being flocked by those eager not to miss out on any bargains.
Doors open at #Debenhams Oxford Street as shoppers hope to bag a bargain pic.twitter.com/fHcx5FWijw
— Chloe Kerr (@ChloeKerr_) December 2, 2020
Like Debenhams, well-loved high street shops such as Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins are all at risk of closure after the Arcadia Group also announced that they have fallen into administration.
The collapse of 207-year-old department store group Debenhams and Topshop-to-Burton fashion giant Arcadia threatens the livelihoods of 25,000 people and raises questions not just about their future, but what that means for the wider industry.https://t.co/yXxw3l1axk#FMCG #Retail
— The Supply Chain Consulting Group (@sccgltd) December 2, 2020
According to the BBC, 12,000 jobs are at risk at Debenhams when all 124 shops stop trading and 13,000 jobs are at risk under the Arcadia Group.
Reactions to the news of both Topshop and Debenhams falling into administration have not been taken well, with many going to Twitter to voice their views.
As traditional shops of the British high street landscape continue to close, it begs the question which will be next?
Words by: Ella Webster | Subbing: Grace Staley