The News Shopper asked residents on Facebook, ‘If you could bring one shop to Bromley town centre in 2024 what would it be?’ – and Woolworths and Debenhams topped the list of shops residents wanted to see on the high street.
Out of all the respondents, most were nostalgic for Woolworths, a much-loved store that has not been around since the noughties.
Alice K Caeser simply said: “Bring back Woolworths.”
Following close behind, the loss of the department store Debenhams was deeply felt by Bromley residents.
One Bromley resident, Lesley Ross, listed “Debenhams, Woolworths, BHS” as the stores she would bring to Bromley town centre in 2024.
Given the shops we lost in Bromley town centre in 2023, it’s not surprising that most comments had an element of nostalgia.
Paperchase, an integral part of Bromley for many years, announced the closure of all its UK stores in April last year.
The town also mourned the loss of Wilko in Bromley, after the chain went into administration in September 2023 and closed its doors on October 8.
Among other suggestions, a few residents expressed their desire for specialty shops.
Stephano Cassano said: “Bring back Uniqlo, I miss that store in Bromley.”
Cathy Blackett wanted a place “you can go and try outfits on for a formal occasion”.
She added: “Used to have [a] choice of Karen Millen, Coast, Debenhams etc.”
READ MORE: All the shops new to the Bromley Glades centre this year in 2023
There were a few unusual and unique shops mentioned as well.
Buffalo Wild Wings, a restaurant chain known for its namesake dish, was mentioned by Tony Brown.
Tracy Robertson had a mouth-watering suggestion: “A Scottish food shop selling white puddings, haggis, butteries, oatcakes, butter biscuits, tablet, macaroon, ect.”
With the high street constantly evolving, who knows what the Bromley shopping scene will look like in the future.
