It has been reported this week that vacancy rates across shopping destinations in the country hit record levels in the second quarter of 2021.

The Daily Mail highlight that while this may bring hope for the high street, there continues to be premises that have been left empty throughout the pandemic.

Around 14.5 per cent of high streets store locations remained empty during the quarter, and shopping centres were worse at 19.4 per cent.

Last year saw retail giants like John Lewis, Debenhams and Topshop being forced to close the doors of their branches, two of the three companies were bought over by online giants Boohoo and ASOS. Last year was also the worst ever year for retail sales growth on record due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cumbria has seen a number of well-loved stores close over the years. The News and Star asked readers on Facebook what were their favourite stores that are no longer around.

In no particular order, ten old favourites mentioned by our readers include:

  1. Woolworths – A store that was heavily featured. From pick ‘n’ mix to kettles, the shop had everything you could ask for and is still a sadly missed feature on the high street.
  2. Pink Panther Records - Situated in Globe Lane, Carlisle in 1987 and later Chapel Street, you were able to get a package of surprise singles for 50p.
  3. DS Chambers – The bakery was on Newtown Road, Carlisle and sold a variety of baked goods and confectionery.
  4. Bulloughs – Becoming Hooper’s in 2006, the company occupied a five-floor building on Castle Street, Carlisle. People remember how friendly Mr Bullough was to all comers.
  5. Turnbulls – After 71 years in operation, the lingerie store closed in 2018. Run by sisters Sheila Wykes and Alison Johnston, the shop earned a reputation for superb customer service.
  6. London Road Stores – The convenience store was known for its bargain booze bin whilst stocking other wines and spirits.
  7. County Stores – The department store was in The Lanes and was part of the Co-Operative Group.
  8. Debenhams – Heavily featured in the thread of comments. After 240 years in operation the business, that was situated in The Lanes, closed in May.
  9. Strawberry Fields – The Citadel Row store was forced to close after its owner, Dave McGovern, passed away in 2015.
  10. Danny’s Discount - The place to shop if you wanted a bargain in the 90s, many say that if an item wasn’t available in Danny’s, it wasn’t worth buying.