Bleak future for Oxford Street after Arcadia s fall
At least one-fifth of Oxford Street will be boarded up with no hope of recovery , warns influential lobby group
Number 80 Oxford Street alone has seen 14 different operators open since 2002
Credit: Mike Kemp/Getty
When Debenhams unveiled the new design of its flagship Oxford Street store in December 1986 it caused quite a stir among shoppers and retail pundits alike.
It featured the so-called galleria concept, which carved out the huge central atrium, and was criss-crossed by escalators. The transformed store was meant to bring the glamour back to shopping.
Nearby, rival John Lewis is turning part of its store into offices, and the landmark Topshop store by Oxford Circus Tube station is up for sale following the collapse of parent company Arcadia. Topshop will live on as an online brand at Asos.