A cost of living crisis combined with the rise of online shopping, and a multitude of other issues, has seen retail stores struggle in recent years. However, they say history repeats itself, so who is to say we will not go back to a time when shopping in your local high street becomes the norm again.
We asked our readers what shops they would like to open in Portsmouth in 2025 and received a fantastic response. While some of the suggestion were calling for a return of stores long gone, there were lots of new stores on the list that have not had a presence in the city before.
There was also a call for new independent shops to open which deserves recognition but whose hypothetical existence is difficult to include in this list.
Without further ado, here are 29 shops that you would like to see open in Portsmouth this year:
5. Smyths Toy store
Some readers are hoping for more toy stores to open this year. There is the Smyths Toy Superstore in Burrfields Road but some are hoping for one more central. Photo: Simon Hulme
6. Disney Store
Disney was another store that made lots of peoples wish lists for 2025. Cascades di have a pop up shop in Cascades at one point and many people want a return. Photo: Antonion Manfredonio/WikiMedia Commons (labelled for reuse)
7. Dunelm
Popular homeware shop Dunelm was another company that readers wanted to see open a shop in Portsmouth in 2025. Shoppers looking to peruse its goods currently have to drive to Park Gate. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Apple Store
A few readers are hoping to see an Apple store open in Portsmouth this year. The technology giant continues to be a dominant force in the phone market and the nearest store is in West Quay. Photo: Matthias Schrader