Gone but not forgotten Chelmsford shops that locals loved for years
There are lots of faces that have arrived and departed Chelmsford's shopping scene
Chelmsford's shopping scene has changed in all sorts of ways over the years. The last few decades has seen companies come and go from the city centre, including some that were staples of the High Street for many years.
Lots of people now turn to online platforms when shopping rather than a trip to shopping hubs. It's led to an increase in more entertainment-led businesses, such as coffee shops, activity spots and more. A handful of local, independent businesses still operate in Chelmsford.
A 2024 report by the House of Lords last November found that the dominance of retail on high streets "is something of the past" and "there is greater demand and opportunity for restaurants and leisure activities". Lord Moylan, Chairman of the Built Environment Committee, said people want to see a variety of businesses on high streets.
He added: "Local high streets are places where generations have shopped, socialised and worked. Many of them are in decline and to reverse this they need to look beyond being simply a destination for shoppers. Retail will always be important, but people want to see a variety of businesses and other services such as NHS diagnostic centres and libraries on their high street. And they can’t be successful if there isn’t a convenient way, both by public transport and by car, to get to them.
"Delivering a successful and sustainable high street often involves a local leader, who can be from the local community, authority or business. This leader very often motivates teams from the public and private sector to use their imagination to breathe new life into their high street. Decision-makers shouldn’t be afraid of trying new things. However, they should be mindful of the quality of what is delivered, as only well designed and built spaces will have any chance of standing the test of time."
The development of Bond Street in the city centre has resulted in lots of popular chains coming to Chelmsford. It brought the likes of John Lewis, Everyman Cinema and more to the county's first modern city.
We've taken a look through the archive to remember some of the businesses that have come and gone from Chelmsford in recent years.
Woolworths
Woolworths was a staple of the High Street in Chelmsford. It's pick-and-mix was popular among children and adults alike whether looking for a pre-cinema snack or simply a sugary-hit. It first opened in 1960 but closed after the credit crunch in 2008.
Once the high street's most recognisable names, every store closed between the end of December 2008 and the start of January 2009. The store's unit is now occupied by Barclays bank and is one of the more recognisable buildings in the city centre.
James Finch
A traditional Chelmsford shoe shop opposite the bus station that ran for 123 years, James Finch finally closed its doors in March 2010. Nowadays the Duke Street area looking towards the city's bus station is a variety of fast food shops. The large unit that James Finch oppied was split into two at some point between 2012 and 2014, and has recently seen a dry cleaners and off-licence shop operate from there.
Debenhams
Arguably one of Chelmsford's most recognisable landmarks, the former Debenhams store on the High Street is now where The Range is. The popular store closed in 2021 and was left empty for several months before The Range took it over.
The historic retailer announced that every physical Debenhams store would shut after falling into administration and the Chelmsford branch looked deserted ahead of the store's permanent closure. The two-storey shop has 16 different departments, including a gardening section, health and beauty, children, and DIY. The store also has a click and collect service, which customers can access from designated loading bays at Bond Street car park.
Christian Bookshop
Chelmsford's only religious bookshop closed in 2012 after being a victim of online shopping. The Christian Bookshop had been in Chelmsford for around three decades selling Bibles, Christian bracelets and more.
John Dawson, who was the store manager, said in 2011 that "fierce competition from the internet" had led to a decline in sales. As well as having regulars coming in to purchase items, there were also celebrity faces who would occasionally visit.
Mr Dawson previously said: "We have never been visited by Sir Cliff Richard who once lived in the county, but singers Helen Shapiro and Gloria Gaynor have popped into the shop over the years. Helen bought a Bible while Gloria browsed having been brought by friends she was staying with in Witham."
Miami Grill
Anybody who drives in Chelmsford will likely have heard of the Miami Roundabout. The junction, whose nickname comes from the Miami Hotel which sat nearby, is a busy spot in the city.
The popular hotel, previously known as the Sunbeam café and Miami Grill, was a busy stopping point on the old A12. Countless locals and passing visitors used the site for an opportunity to stretch the legs, get a bite to eat and pop to the toilet. Most of those who passed through the doors of the Miami Hotel were locals but there was also the occasional celebrity visitor.
Comedic pair Jasper Carrott and Jethro on occasion paid a visit as did musicians Sinead O'Connor, Adam Ant and even the Rolling Stones. Martin Peters, who scored one of England's goals against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, has also passed through the doors along with Peter Andre who needed a shower after an event nearby.
