The Dorset high street shops that closed in the 2010s

Throughout 2019 alone, roughly 61 iconic high street stores permanently closed their doors each day across the country, marking the culmination of a decade filled with the disappearance of numerous well-known retailers.

Data from the Centre for Retail Research revealed a significant trend in store closures that year. The report indicated a total of 16,073 closures, with 5,901 of them attributed to large retail chains.

In comparison to 2018, there was a significant 79 per cent increase in the figure reported for the major chain stores.

Major chains including Debenhams, House of Fraser, Bon Marche, Mothercare, Clintons, Select Fashion, Karen Millen and coast, Jack Wills and Bathstore all went into administration in 2019, leading to branch closures.

It had been a bleak decade for physical retailers as numerous closures marked the end of an era.

Maplin

In 2018, the electronics retailer Maplin ceased operations following its entry into administration. Located in Southampton, it had branches at Commercial Road in Bournemouth, Wessex Gate in Poole and Christchurch Retail Park.  

Blockbuster

In 2013, the once-thriving DVD rental giant Blockbuster met its demise, succumbing to financial struggles that began in 2010.  It had branches in Bournemouth, Oakdale, Wimborne, Christchurch, Hamworthy, Parkstone, Westbourne and Ringwood. 

Poundworld

In August 2018, Poundworld, the retail chain with outlets located in Dorchester, ceased its operations. 

BHS

In 2016, the retail industry witnessed a significant event as BHS entered administration, marking a notable downfall reminiscent of Woolworths' closure in 2008. Among the closures were all of BHS's stores, including the shops in Poole’s Dolphin Centre and Bournemouth’s Mallard Road Retail Park.

Past Times

Past Times fell into administration in 2012 with the loss of all its branches, although the brand name was bought by WH Smith. It had stores in Poole and Bournemouth town centres. 

Tie Rack

With a total of 44 stores in the UK and 450 worldwide, Tie Rack ceased operations in 2013. It had a store in Bournemouth’s Commercial Road.

Barratts

In 2013, the iconic British high street shoe retailer Barratts faced financial troubles and eventually went into administration, marking the end of an era for the popular shoe chain in the United Kingdom.

Phones4U

In 2014, Phones4U shut down all its retail locations, including those situated in Bournemouth and Poole.

Staples

In 2016, the physical presence of Staples vanished, leaving only their online counterpart. However, the transition saw the rise of Office Outlet, which took over Staples' stores. Unfortunately, Office Outlet faced financial struggles, leading to the closure of the branches in Poole’s Fleet Lane and Bournemouth’s Holdenhurst Road.