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
7. Harrods
Harrods has only ever operated its single, iconic flagship department store in Knightsbridge, London. While they have rolled out smaller, standalone 'H Beauty' cosmetic stores in other UK cities, a second full Harrods branch isn't happening. Luckily, Leeds already has Harvey Nichols for high-end department store browsing. | Joe Planas via Unsplash
8. Selfridges
Selfridges has successfully expanded up North before, with physical locations in Birmingham and Manchester. While the demographic of Leeds fits their high-end retail model, there are currently no announcements or active plans for a new location in the city. | David Parry
9. Betty's
Jane mentioned she was too young to remember it, but Betty's actually did have a café in Leeds! It was located on Commercial Street from 1930 until it closed in 1974. Today, the legendary Yorkshire tea room brand is heavily focused on its existing branches in Harrogate, York, Ilkley, and Northallerton. There are currently no plans to bring those famous Fat Rascals back to Leeds city centre | YPN