With the brand new LEGO Superstore set to open in Leeds later this month, alongside the continued rejuvenation of the Trinity Leeds on Albion Street, it has led to some conversation in the newsroom what gone-but-not-forgotten stores we would like to see back in the city.
But, it’s not just about us - and armed with a curious nature, we took to the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Facebook page to find out what the readers and commenters online want to see return to the city.
Some are classic homeware stores that we thought perhaps we could live without, while others are a trip down memory lane to a point some of us were still just a concept in our parents’ heads.
We have tallied up your comments to find the top nine most-requested stores.
Take a trip down memory lane with our gallery below as we look at the shops you miss the most, and uncover the reality of whether we will ever see these iconic names back on the streets of Leeds
1. Wilko
The original Wilko company collapsed into administration in August 2023. However, the brand was rescued by The Range, who have slowly started opening a handful of new "concept" Wilko stores across the UK. While there is no confirmed standalone Leeds store just yet, a return to the city isn't entirely off the table for the future. | Getty Images
2. Woolworths
Don't hold your breath. The iconic UK high street staple famously shut down in 2009. The German branch of the brand (Woolworth GmbH) bought the UK brand rights back in 2021, and their CEO recently mentioned that bringing Woolworths back to the UK is on his 'bucket list.' However, these are just aspirations for now, and there are absolutely no concrete plans for a return. | Local Library
3. C&A
Highly unlikely. C&A closed all of its UK stores back in 2000 to focus on its European market, where it is still incredibly successful. Despite the fond memories, the company has shown zero indication of wanting to re-enter the British high street. | Claire Lim
4. Debenhams
As Julie noted in her comment, she wants a "proper" physical store, but the high street chain collapsed in 2021. The fashion retailer Boohoo bought the brand and shifted it entirely online. The days of physically browsing a Debenhams are permanently behind us. | Local Library
5. Schofields
Schofields was a legendary, independent Leeds department store that eventually closed in 1996. The original building on The Headrow was demolished, and the site became the site of what is now (or was) The Core shopping centre. It is a cherished piece of local history, but it is gone for good. | YPN
6. Lewis's
Another historic titan of the Leeds high street, Lewis's used to sit proudly on The Headrow where Broadgate is now. The Leeds branch closed in 1996, and the wider Lewis's brand went fully defunct in 2010. | Leeds Library