5 high-street shops that closed for good in Norwich in 2023

From major retailers to family-run boutiques, everybody has felt the pinch this year. 

Here are just a few shops that closed in the city in 2023.

1. Wilko

More than 400 stores and 12,000 staff were lost when Wilko closed (Image: Sonya Duncan)

High street giant Wilko shocked the country earlier this year when it fell into administration with 400 stores and 12,000 jobs on the line. 

Efforts to buy out the failing retailer were unsuccessful and in early October all outlets were closed for good. 

A total of five stores in Norfolk were lost which included locations in Norwich, Thetford, King's Lynn, Dereham and Great Yarmouth.

2. Monsoon and Accessorize

Monsoon and Accessorize closed suddenly earlier this month (Image: Supplied)

Sister businesses Monsoon and Accessorize unexpectedly closed earlier this month and departed the first floor of Chantry Place with closure notices stuck to the windows. 

The clothing and accessory retailers said it was "not goodbye" but that the nearest store is now in Cambridge. 

Other branches of Monsoon Accessorize in the UK that have recently closed are in Plymouth and Edinburgh after the firm narrowly avoided liquidation in 2020. 

3. Argos

Argos moved away from standalone stores to open more concessions in Sainsbury's supermarkets (Image: Google)

Homeware retailer Argos closed its standalone store in Riverside Retail Park this summer after the company revealed a countrywide step-back from individual shop spaces. 

The brand is under the ownership of Sainsbury's which met the news with plans to open more and more concessions inside its supermarkets.

The Riverside Argos closed in August and a new branch was opened in the Queens Road Sainsbury's.

4. Wilkinson's Tea Shop

Wilkinson's had served the community for 50 long years (Image: Newsquest)

After 50 long years serving Norwich Lanes and beyond, Wilkinson's Tea Shop in Lobster Lane announced its closure.

Owner Rick Harris said in June that the "time had come" and thanked all of its customers for visiting throughout its life.

The closure came as a shock to many, even following supply chain issues and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

No other business has since occupied the shop.

5. Scope

Scope sold like-new garments that had previously been used in photoshoots (Image: Newsquest)

This Anglia Square thrift store was one of the city's best for selling like-new garments that had previously been used for ASOS photoshoots. 

It even expanded its range to include a large selection of wedding dresses for budgets of all sizes but the cost of living crisis placed "enormous pressure" on it, resulting in its closure. 

Scope and many other stores in Anglia Square face an uncertain future with demolition work due to start in the new year ahead of the area's major rebuild.