More than ten empty shops remain closed on Sutton High Street.

The view of empty shops or retail units for sale has become a normal site for many businesses and residents across south London.

Due to the impact of the pandemic, combined with the cost-of-living crisis, many businesses have had to close down, including one beloved high street store, Wilko’s.

Your Local Guardian:

Online shopping has also reduced foot traffic, impacting traditional retail stores, and high rents and business rates make it challenging for small businesses to thrive on London high streets.

On Tuesday (March 26), Your Local Guardian took a trip to Sutton High Street.

Walking from the bottom of the High Street at Marshalls Road, adjacent to the ASDA store, to the top at Sutton Train Station, we counted some 11 store fronts that were either boarded up, permanently closed, or lying empty behind locked glass doors.

Your Local Guardian:

At the bottom of the High Street, was a former hair salon which was up for sale, and just next door, stood a former international supermarket which was bordered up with graffiti and scaffolding.

Your Local Guardian:

Just two minutes further up the high street, stood two huge units dormant, one being a former furniture store and the other being what looks like a former warehouse.

Your Local Guardian:

As we continued to walk up the high street, more shops were seen completely boarded up with 'for sale' or 'to let' signs.

Your Local Guardian:

The old Wilko’s store still remains and empty unit, and a derelict store just next door was also bordered with a large wooden fence.

What looks like an old bank on the high street was empty too with Blanks Commercial signs outside saying ‘to let’.

Your Local Guardian:

Stores counted only include along the high street and not on nearby roads or inside the shopping centre.

Despite the many empty units, Sutton High Street is home to many fantastic shops, businesses, and restaurants, such as high street favourites like Flannels, H&M, and Poundland, and popular chain restaurants like Zizzi’s, Nando’s, and Pizza Express.

Your Local Guardian:

The pedestrian-friendly layout encourages leisurely strolls, and the markets provide ample opportunities for community engagement.

Sutton's rich history adds charm, while its accessibility via public transport makes it convenient for all.

Your Local Guardian:

Overall, despite many buildings lying dormant, Sutton High Street offers a welcoming experience with many shops to explore.