South east London shops lost in 2025: WH Smith and more

Ranging from long-standing independents to familiar high-street names, 2025 has been another challenging year for the local sector, with closures across the region’s high streets and shopping areas.

Here’s a look at the shops that closed across the area this year:

WHSmith, Woolwich

WHSmith in Woolwich closed in April as part of a nationwide closure of 15 of its stores.

WHSmith in Woolwich closed in April. (Image: @pipycw/X)

The Powis Street branch was closed due to the lease expiry, with the company saying it was “no longer sustainable” to continue trading from that location.

Following the closure, the Post Office announced a new branch would open at 102 Powis Street in January 2026, just a few doors down from the former WHSmith.

New Look, Bexleyheath

New Look in Bexleyheath closed permanently in April, with its final day of trading on April 19.

New Look in Bexleyheath closed permanently in April. (Image: Google Maps)

The closure was part of a wider nationwide set of New Look store closures, with other closures announced in Cornwall, Gateshead and Preston.

Ask Wing’s, Bromley

Family-run chicken shop Ask Wing’s was closed by Bromley Council in July due to structural issues with the building.

The shop, which had only opened in June 2024, was ordered to shut as part of emergency demolition work for public safety.

Family-run chicken shop Ask Wing’s was closed by Bromley Council in July. (Image: Google)

Owner Sam, who took out a £150,000 loan to open the business, described the closure as devastating, leaving him without income while still facing debts.

Bromley Council confirmed the demolition was necessary due to the “unstable” condition of the building.

Hobbycraft, Crayford

Hobbycraft closed its Crayford store in September as part of a nationwide restructuring plan impacting nine stores across the UK.

Hobbycraft closed its Crayford store in September. (Image: Google)

The arts and crafts retailer, operating 115 stores in the UK, confirmed consultations with staff would take place to explore alternative roles at other locations.

Poundland, Sidcup

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Poundland on Sidcup High Street closed on November 9.

Sidcup Partners BID cited high levels of shoplifting and the impact of online shopping as contributing factors to the closure.

Wide Shoes, Welling

Welling’s Wide Shoes store closed in December. (Image: Google)

Welling’s Wide Shoes store closed in December after 45 years of trading.

The closure sparked an outpouring of tributes from customers.

Locals described the loss as “another piece of Welling history”.