3. Debenhams Colchester s Debenham s store will close permanently in what has been described as a big blow for the town. The store, in Culver Street West, is one of the largest in the town centre and the brand is one of the biggest on the high street. Online fashion retailer Boohoo has bought the Debenhams brand for £55 million, however, it it not set to take on its stores or workforce. This means the historic brand s remaining 118 stores will close for good as part of a structured winding down of the business.
4. Topshop Another big name brand is set to disappear from Colchester town centre for good after being taken over by an online retailer.
CORONAVIRUS has been devastating for so many reasons. Of course it has taken a huge toll on our health and taken many lives, but our economy is also on its knees due to the virus. A number of non-essential businesses suffered financial losses when lockdowns meant they could not open. The crisis has been hard on so many businesses, in hospitality and retail, from small independents to big name brands, and there could be further long-lasting effects.
Here we look at some of the businesses in north Essex which have been casualties of the pandemic:
1. Paxman Colchester s historic Paxman factory will close its doors in the spring after its owners said Covid had hit its business.