Experts have analysed search data to reveal the top-searched brands including Debenhams, Woolworths, Toys R Us, Dorothy Perkins, Cath Kidston and Mothercare
The high street brands we miss the most including Debenhams and Woolworths have been revealed in a new list. Debenhams is the retailer that most consumers want back, according to new search data, with 499,000 average monthly online searches.
Boohoo bought the brand and its website in 2021, but the deal didn’t include its high street stores, which eventually closed down. The next most-missed brand is Dorothy Perkins, with 65,000 average monthly online searches.
Dorothy Perkins was acquired by Boohoo Group in February 2021, following the collapse of Arcadia Group, which previously owned the brand. Toys R Us is the third most-missed brand with 61,000 searches.
Toys R Us collapsed into administration in 2018, with all its 100 UK shops closed as a result – but the retailer has now started opening concessions in WHSmith stores.
Other high street giants that feature in the list include Cath Kidston, Mothercare and Woolworths. You can find the top 10 most-missed brands according to research from the Liquidation Centre below.
Richard Hunt, Director at Liquidation Centre said: “The current economic climate poses increasing risks to businesses, especially those in the retail sector.
“It is much easier to lose consumers than to retain them, which is why regular market research and competitor analysis are so essential. Staying ahead of the curve as conditions evolve is critical to long-term survival.
“As we’ve seen , poor financial management and decisions have contributed to the downfall of several once-iconic household brands, proving how crucial it is to have effective financial strategies and management in place.”
“For businesses facing financial strain, the first step is to thoroughly assess all revenue streams and expenses. Exploring debt management options and cutting unnecessary costs where feasible is key. This might include negotiating with creditors, landlords, or suppliers to ease financial pressure and begin recovery.”
“If a business reaches the point where liquidation becomes a risk, swift action is vital. Seeking advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner (IP) can help clarify your options and potentially avoid insolvency altogether.”
13,479 retail stores closed in the UK in 2024, up 28% increase from 2023, according to The Centre for Retail Research. This is equivalent to about 37 stores closing each day.
Top 10 high street brands Brits want back
The figures below are based on average monthly search volume in the UK.
- Debenhams – 499,000
- Dorothy Perkins – 65,000
- Toys R Us – 61,000
- Cath Kidston – 35,000
- Thorntons – 32,000
- Mothercare – 28,000
- BHS – 22,000
- Woolworths – 19,000
- Miss Selfridge – 9,500
- Blockbuster – 8,330