2025 was one of the worst years on record for UK high streets and retail centres, according to the Centre for Retail Research.
An estimated 17,350 stores were expected to shut their doors, which is the highest number since 2022.
In Sutton, shop closures and falling footfall reflect a struggling town centre, as local businesses grapple with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the relentless rise of online shopping.
Here are the four businesses that Sutton lost this year.
TazZA Coffee
In early March, the owners of TazZa Coffee announced that the café on 188 High Street would close.
The café first opened in 2010 and was due to celebrate its 15th anniversary this December.
However, the owners admitted that they found it “really hard” to keep the café open due to the cost-of-living crisis.
The owners delivered a heartfelt statement ahead of its closure, saying it was also a “time to celebrate all that TazZa has meant to the high street and to the many people, staff, families, and individuals”.
They added: “Seeing your familiar faces, hearing your stories, and being part of your daily life has meant so much to us.
“In recent years, with increasing costs on all fronts, we have done our very best to bring the best coffee & food that the high street can offer… but financially, it’s been really hard.
“We want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you who have walked through our doors, supported us, and made this journey so special.
“Though this chapter is closing, the memories and relationships built will last.”
TazZa Coffee officially closed its doors on March 15.
Boescakes
In late March, Boescakes on Station Parade announced it would be closing its Sutton branch just 16 months after opening.
The owners said they were “gutted” by the decision, explaining that the branch was too close to their Wallington location and was “not making the money.”
They stressed that the closure was not a failure but a necessary step to cope with “the rising cost of life.”
The announcement came on the same day the shop closed, which they admitted felt “embarrassing.”
Customers were invited to buy the remaining cupcakes for just £1 on the final day.
Despite the Sutton closure, Boescakes continues to operate branches in Wallington, West Wickham, and Whyteleafe.
In a social media statement, the owners said: “We are gutted that this is happening.
“We have chosen to make today the last day.
“It’s too close to our Wallington branch, and it’s sadly not making the money.
“And in the climate of today, we are feeling this, so we have chosen to go down to three shops.
“This is not failing.
“This is trying to get through the rising cost of life.
“We have noticed everything has gone up and it’s only going to get worse.
“Thank you, Sutton, for having us, but we are only down the road in Wallington.
“We are super sorry we haven’t given more notice.
“We hope we pick up a little bit.
“It feels so embarrassing that this is happening, but it’s the reality of life right now, and this is the norm.
“We have seen so many businesses closing.
“Thank you, and we are sorry.”
Boescakes officially closed its doors on March 30.
Throwley Yard
Throwley Yard on Sutton High Street closed after its operator, the Really Local Group, went into administration.
The cinema had officially opened in September last year, bringing new life to a building that had remained unoccupied for several years, with support from government funding.
Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Sutton Council, said he was “disappointed” that the independent cinema did not work.
He added: “Throwley Yard had remained unoccupied for a number of years before the Council, with the help of funding from the Government, brought the building back to life.
“But where other High Streets across the UK are declining, Sutton is thriving.
“Over 90 per cent of shops in Sutton are occupied and I am confident that we will soon find another business for this fantastic space.”
Preston Benson, founder of the Really Local Group, said the closure was caused by what he described as “an anti-business environment at local government level” and added that, with better support, the model could have transformed many high streets across the UK.
He said: “Entrepreneurs aren’t a threat; we are often the only ones willing to take risks to revive struggling high streets.
“We proved the model works.
“With the right environment, it could have transformed dozens more high streets across the UK.”
Throwley Yard officially closed its doors on November 9.
Ginger Frog
Ginger Frog on 51 Woodcote Road in Wallington closed permanently after its lease was forfeited by the landlord.
The closure came after the restaurant was served a legal notice on June 13, stating that the landlord had taken back possession of the premises due to an alleged breach of the lease agreement.
The lease, originally signed in October 2017, was ended under a clause allowing the landlord to reclaim the property.
A notice displayed on the restaurant’s window warned that any attempt to re-enter the premises could result in civil or criminal proceedings.
Ginger Frog had been closed since late May, with signs previously citing staff sickness as the reason for the temporary closure.
The legal notice, enforced by agents Goodwillie and Corcoran, stated: “We as authorised agents acting on behalf of the owner have on this day entered and recovered possession of these premises and the lease is hereby forfeited under clause 14 dated October 30, 2017.
“Any attempt by you or your agents to enter the premises will result in civil/criminal proceedings being taken.”
Ginger Frog officially closed its doors on June 13.
