Following WH Smith’s announcement that it will be closing its King Street branch in October 2020, here is our photo tribute to other nationwide and local businesses to have left the town centre over the last six years.
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King Street, South Shields has lost several high street names over the last six years. Photo: Stu Norton
. H Samuel
Most recently, H Samuel on King Street closed in October 2019, believed to be one of several closures across the country. Photo: Stu Norton
. Vision Express
The national eye care specialist Vision Express closed its branch in King Street in June 2019. Photo: Stu Norton
. Browns Cosmetics
The cosmetics store in Station Approach, off King Street, closed in 2019 but said it would still continue to trade online. Photo: anon
. Northern Threads
One of the company's two town centre stores, in Fowler Street, closed in February 2019, with owners blaming gloomy financial times and Brexit uncertainty. The company still operates from its best-known store in Ocean Road. Photo: Stu Norton
. Greenwoods
The menswear retailer closed in January 2019 after the company collapsed. It had reopened in 2011 following a previous closure in 2008. Photo: Tim Richardson
. BHS
The Waterloo Square store closed in 2016 after administrators failed to find a buyer for the national retailer. Photo: Jane Coltman
. That's Entertainment
Closed in 2016 after opening less than two years earlier in 2014 in the building left empty by HMV. The company cited “being unable to reach an agreement” with the landlords. Photo: Stu Norton
1. H Samuel
Most recently, H Samuel on King Street closed in October 2019, believed to be one of several closures across the country. Photo: Stu Norton
2. Vision Express
The national eye care specialist Vision Express closed its branch in King Street in June 2019. Photo: Stu Norton
4. Browns Cosmetics
The cosmetics store in Station Approach, off King Street, closed in 2019 but said it would still continue to trade online. Photo: anon