Wilko, M&S, Binns - brands that have left County Durham high streets

From Wilko to M&S and from independent brands to supermarkets, we have explored all of the brands that have moved out of the high street from Darlington, Durham City, Bishop Auckland, and other locations. 

Wilko, M&S, Binns - Brands that have left County Durham high streets:

Wilko

This is a brand that fell into administration - with shops around County Durham closing.

Darlington's branch of the store was part of the final batch to be announced for closure, which has seen over 400 branches of Wilko closing nationwide. 

The hardware and furnishings retailer fell into administration in September 2023 after it came under pressure from weak consumer spending and debts to suppliers.

People across County Durham and the wider UK still miss Wilko, despite the brand only closing around a year ago.

M&S

A brand that hasn't closed down completely - but one that has few stores still on the high streets of County Durham. 

The Darlington branch has been closed, while the ones in Bishop Auckland and Durham City have also closed, with a few replaced with M&S food halls in retail parks. 

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The two most prominent M&S stores on high streets in the region were Darlington, which is now a OneGym, and Durham City's Silver Street building. 

Topshop/Topman

Another brand that fell into administration and was forced to close all of its UK stores. 

While there were plenty of stores in the UK, the brand fell into tough financial times and was forced to close its prominent shop on Silver Street in Durham City.