Gyms, crazy golf, student flats, hotels or even a whisky-based tourist attraction: the future of many department store sites is unlikely to involve shopping. John Lewis has also recently closed eight outlets: half of these were full-scale department stores and are now standing empty. “Department stores have supported the footfall that drives people through the doors. “Putting a chi-chi food market like Altrincham’s in every department store is not the answer,” said Robinson. Some department stores will switch to leisure use, such as cinemas.

Source: The Guardian December 06, 2020 09:11 UTC