Bromley High Street’s empty shop units

The sight of empty shops or retail units for sale has become commonplace for businesses and residents across south London.

The combined impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis has forced many businesses to close, including the beloved high street store, Wilko.

Empty Wilko's store on Bromley High Street (Image: Poppy Huggett)

Additionally, online shopping has decreased foot traffic, affecting traditional retail stores.

High rents and business rates further challenge small businesses trying to thrive on London high streets.

Inside and outside former barbers - taken from the high street (Image: Poppy Huggett)

On Tuesday (June 25), the News Shopper took a trip to Bromley High Street.

Bromley High Street (Image: Poppy Huggett)

Walking from the bottom of the High Street at East Street, adjacent to the McDonald’s, to the top at Bromley South Train Station, we counted some 10 store fronts that were either boarded up, permanently closed, or lying empty behind locked glass doors.

Boarded up store (Image: Poppy Huggett)

At the bottom of the High Street, stood what was once a Topshop, Topman and Dorothy Perkins store.

This specific building is set to be the new home of the Central Library, despite the cost of the move cited as being £15.5million.

Empty Topshop store soon-to-be Central Library (Image: Poppy Huggett)

The plans were discussed at an executive meeting for Bromley Council on October 18, with council officers saying in their report that the building was built in 1970 and is now in a poor condition.

The move to the former Topshop site scheduled to be completed in April 2026.

Just one minute further up the high street, stood a still in use NatWest bank, yet had two “to let” signs placed just above.

Open NatWest bank with 'to let' signs (Image: Poppy Huggett)

As we continued to walk up the high street, more shops were seen completely boarded up with 'for sale' or 'to let' signs.

(Image: Poppy Huggett)

Closer to the station stood an empty Laura Ashely store, derelict barbers and an old Wilko’s store.

(Image: Poppy Huggett)

Stores counted only include along the high street and not on nearby roads or inside The Glades Shopping Centre.

Despite the many empty units, Bromley High Street is home to many fantastic shops, businesses, and restaurants, such as high street favourites like M&S, ZARA, Lush, and Primark, and popular chain fast-food restaurants like Greggs, Burger King and McDonald’s.

The pedestrian-friendly layout encourages leisurely strolls, and the food markets provide ample opportunities for community engagement.