There are 13 empty units on North End in Croydon, ranging from a shoe shop, furniture stores and newsagents.

On Tuesday (September 17), Your Local Guardian took a trip to North End, the street sandwiched between Centrale Shopping Centre and The Whitgift Centre.

Walking from the top adjoining George Street to the bottom where Station Road begins, we counted 13 empty units that were either boarded up, permanently closed, or lying empty behind shutters with no sign of any new tenants or businesses moving in.

The first thing we saw was the Croydon Village Outlet and Allders, which closed down in 2013.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) The Allders has seven empty units, all boarded up.

However, Croydon Council did announce that the former department store will reopen with five new shops and two new food units.

Right next to the empty department store stood a former furniture store, with its old “closing down” and “sale” posters plastered around.

A few steps away from the furniture store were three unnamed and bare stores, and then Factory Outlet.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) Factory Outlet, while still open, is set to become an empty unit soon as the store is set to close down.

“Store closing” posters were plastered all over the store, with even a man holding a placard announcing the news.

As we went down, more and more stores were spotted with “To Let” and “For Sale” signs above them.

One of the units, right next to The Whitgift Centre, had an enquiries direction above the Croydon Art mural on the unit.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)

Foot Locker, the former shoe store, stood empty with the printings of its sign left behind, and a few steps away stood closed newsagents Northend News.

A unit with its doors chained up and two red cones and a few chairs scattered around stood next to a closed H&M.

Despite the empty units, North End is home to many businesses, snack shops, and restaurants, including McDonald’s, M&S, and even Merry-Go-Rounds during the weekends.

The pedestrian-friendly layout encourages leisurely strolls, and the Surrey Street Market is less than a five-minute walk away.

Buskers bring music to the street, and the street is conveniently located near public transport, including many bus stops and East and West Croydon station.

Overall, despite many buildings lying dormant, Croydon’s North End offers a welcoming experience with many shops to explore.