Data reveals UK’s most-missed stores in 2026, as high street collapses continue
2026 has already seen various high street names go into administration, from Claire’s to Quiz clothing, various household names are struggling to compete in the ever competitive retail space, and 2026 is looking to be another challenging year for the sector.
As more stores shut down nationwide, the experts at Liquidation Centre have analysed search data to reveal which former brand names consumers want to see back on our high streets in 2026, as well as providing advice for current retailers on how to stay relevant in a competitive market from Richard Hunt, director at Liquidation Centre.
Top Ten High Street Brands Consumers Want Back in 2026
Rank | Retailer | Average Monthly Search Volume (UK) |
1 | Debenhams | 415,000 |
2 | Dorothy Perkins | 40,000 |
=3 | Thorntons | 24,000 |
=3 | Cath Kidston | 24,000 |
5 | Woolworths | 15,000 |
6 | Toys R Us | 11,000 |
7 | BHS (British Home Stores) | 8,500 |
8 | Mothercare | 7,700 |
9 | Blockbuster | 6,200 |
10 | JJB Sports | 3,500 |
*The full data and methodology is available to view here.
Debenhams
Debenhams is the retailer that most consumers want to see back on their high streets, with a huge 415,000 average monthly online searches. Boohoo bought the brand and its website in 2021, but didn’t buy its high street stores, which eventually closed down. Fans of the brand may be pleased to hear that Boohoo has changed its name to Debenhams, reviving the popular 247-year-old brand. Unfortunately though, physical stores are not expected to make a comeback, as the chief executive stated it will be ‘Britain’s online department store’.
Richard Hunt comments: “The combination of failing to adapt to shifting consumer habits towards online shopping alongside the financial impact of Brexit and the pandemic contributed towards Debenhams financial strain. However, their issues began years prior to these events, with the company carrying unsustainable debts due to poor financial decisions. Their online-only comeback is exciting for many fans, but it also serves as a stark reminder of their failure to compete effectively on the high street amid a changing market.”
Dorothy Perkins
The data suggests that consumers want to see Dorothy Perkins back on their high streets, as the brand amasses 40,000 UK monthly searches on average. The Debenhams brand was acquired by Boohoo group in 2021, excluding the physical stores, which were lost. This followed the collapse of its former owner, Arcadia Group, which fell into administration in 2020. As a result, all of the brands previously owned by Arcadia were sold off by administrators to online retailers including ASOS and Boohoo in 2021.
Hunt states: “Dorothy Perkins, part of Arcadia Group, is another example of a traditional retailer acquired by online giants like Boohoo. Despite undergoing a CVA (Company Voluntary Agreement) to repay debts and avoid liquidation, the company’s failure to compete with fast-growing online retailers, combined with a changing market landscape and high overheads, led to crippling financial issues, which ultimately led to the downfall of the business.”
Thorntons and Cath Kidston
Thorntons has taken third spot in 2026 with 24,000, a move up from fifth in the 2025 study. Following the impact of Covid-19 and shifts to online and e-commerce demand, the high street retailer saw declining profits, ultimately leading to the permanent closure of its stores in March 2021.
Hunt states: “Thorntons was exposed to high fixed costs, particularly rent and staffing, during a period when footfall on UK high streets was in decline and consumer purchasing was shifting to online. This meant margins were squeezed to the point where keeping shops open no longer made sense.”
Cath Kidston ranks joint third, with 24,000 monthly searches on average. The stores largely left UK high streets following repeated administrations in both 2020 and 2023, which were the result of poor sales and pandemic impacts. Retailer Next then purchased the brand and intellectual property in March 2023, but closed all remaining physical stores and shifted the brand to online-only.
Woolworths
Woolworths stores closed between December 2008 and January 2009 across the UK, after the company entered administration with a staggering £385m of debt. This resulted in over 27,000 job losses, as the iconic retailer failed to compete with its rivals, leading to its 815 locations being sold to brands like Poundland, Iceland, and B&M.
Hunt says: “Woolworths was a popular household name across UK high streets, but it is an example of a business model becoming outdated and financial issues being neglected. As sales weakened, and the 2008 financial crisis hit, the company had limited financial flexibility, leaving administration to be the only viable outcome. It also serves as a stark reminder of how a household favourite can see decline if issues aren’t addressed and business plans aren’t updated.”
Toys R Us
The well- known children’s store Toys R Us ranks in sixth place, dropping three places from their 2025 ranking, with an average of 11,000 monthly searches. The company went into administration in 2018 and closed its stores as a result. The company had been facing a £15m tax bill, and poor sales made it impossible for them to make the payment. Additionally, the growth and popularity of technology among children was something that the brand could not keep up with.
Richard Hunt explains: “Toys R Us seemed to fail to move with the times. As children’s interests began to shift towards more tech-related items, the stores failed to adapt and capitalise on this trend. They were also priced out of a very competitive market, with other brands offering the same quality branded toys at a lower price. Additionally, reports pointed to dull, outdated store interiors that lacked the excitement and appeal once central to the Toys R Us experience. More enticing and exciting options become available, leaving the brand behind.
Richard Hunt, director at Liquidation Centre offers expert insight on the demise of household brands, and key lessons for today’s retailers on how to stay relevant in an evolving and competitive market:
“The current economic climate poses increasing risks to businesses, especially those in the retail sector. It is much easier to lose customers 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 starting point must be a clear and honest review of income and expenditure. Every revenue stream and outgoing should be scrutinised.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, in some cases, help steer the business away from insolvency altogether.”