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:
17. White Stuff
White Stuff closed its doors in Gunwharf Quays in 2024 and it is already being missed. Readers are hoping to see the store reintroduced to the city this year. Photo: Google
18. Oliver Bonas
Some readers are hoping that the UK based fashion and homeware company will be opening in Portsmouth this year. The nearest branch is currently in Chichester. Photo: Google
19. Monsoon
At one time Monsoon and Accessorize seemed to be in every high street in the country. After going into administration during COVID they were taken over but have continued to struggle. The News readers would like to see it return to Cascades. Photo: Google
20. Hotel Chocolat
The luxurious chocolate chain has shops and cafes across the country. There are ones currently in Chichester and Southampton but The News readers are hoping one will open nearer to home. Photo: Philip Toscano