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:
13. Pull&Bear
Another of the Spanish fashion stores that have proven immensely popular. It has stores dotted across the UK with nearest one currently in Brighton. Photo: Google
14. Forbidden Planet
Forbidden Planet sell a range of graphic novels, comics, toys, and collectables. They currently have 17 stores across the UK with the closest being in Brighton. A number of readers are hoping it will open a store in Portsmouth. Photo: Google
15. Seasalt Cornwall
The coastal inspired clothing shop stocks a range of items, from warm jumpers to quirky socks, and has a number of stores across the coast. The nearest on is Whiteley with some News readers hoping there will be a Portsmouth store in 2025. Photo: Google
16. John Lewis at home
In addition to a new John Lewis, some readers are hoping for a John Lewis at home store to open. The nearest one is currently in Chichester. Photo: Google