The Changing Face of the High Street

 

Walking through the various levels of Debenhams I’d weave to the swimsuits, dresses, bags, at times I'd meet my mum or just use the shop as a through way to get from one side of town to the other.

 

This shop was a big part of this town, it was almost a rite of passage to work at Debenhams in a part -time job as a young adult. I worked there when I was a teenager, there was such a wide variety of people working there, some that had been there for years much like my mum, who had been there around 16 years.

 

 

My mum retired this year, so she hasn’t been impacted as badly as some of her colleagues who have been left without a job. For the people that worked there it was a big part of their lives, they made friends and formed relationships. Then there were the customers, there were some who were regulars and who would get to know the staff well and build a rapport and have real affection for the store and its employees. There were those that didn’t go in there often but trusted they’d find what they needed there.

 

I have to say after working there I didn’t go in there very often, just for the bits and pieces I knew they were great for and that I liked. I remember when I was 17/18 looking for dresses for the school leaving ball, it was so much fun being with my friends trying on these prom dresses and evening gowns. I'm sure there are young girls and boys who had the same experiences as me.

 

Debenhams had many smaller branded sections which brought in a variety of younger people. The brand was formed more than 200 years ago and is now a part of UK history.

 

 

Although John Lewis and Marks and Spencer's in Reading look like they’ll remain open, other stores such as House of Fraser in Reading are also closing.

 

 

I guess what I wanted to get across with this article is the impact a store like Debenhams has on a community. I look around the high street and feel like those familiar shops and brands are disappearing. Things are changing faster than ever because of the impact of the Coronavirus. But as humans we’ve always adapted and evolved, I have no doubt we will continue to change with the times.

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