Slough has said goodbye to some big names this year, and it is safe to say that the current economic situation and the continued impact of the pandemic has hit the town.

Businesses have been packing up or moving to the High Street amid ongoing uncertainty with Queensmere Shopping Centre, while other stores have faced their own issues.

With huge changes on the horizon and the continued growth in online shopping, let's take a look back at some of the shops and businesses that have left this year.

Wilko

Slough Observer:

The major high street retailer fell into administration in August, stating they had left "no stone unturned" in efforts to revive the business.

Slough's Wilko store situated on the High Street closed on Thursday, September 21. It has since been put up for rent, with a new occupier sought for the store which has been vacant since Wilko vacated.

Neighbouring town Maidenhead also waved goodbye to Wilko on Sunday, September 17. Poundland quickly swooped in to claim the store, with the unit being vacant for only two weeks.

New Look

Slough Observer:

New Look closed their Bath Road Shopping Park shop on Tuesday, September 5.

It followed signs on the store's windows which read: "Slough, thanks for having us."

A New Look spokesperson said: “Our store in Slough is closing on September 5. We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years."

New Look's Windsor branch also closed, meaning customers now need to travel to Uxbridge, Bracknell or High Wycombe.

In January the Bath Road Shopping Park was bought by SEGRO in a £120.25million deal - it is currently half vacant.

Poundland

Slough Observer:

The budget retailer Poundland closed its Slough branch on Monday, February 20.

A spokesperson from Poundland said: "We’re disappointed to be closing our doors at our High Street store in Slough.

"Sadly our lease has come to an end, but customers can find our full ranges, including Pep clothing & Home and chilled and frozen food just up the road at Slough Retail Park.

"Whenever we close a store, it goes without saying, we always work had to look after the colleagues directly impacted."

Locals who wish to continue shopping at Poundland can find an alternate store at the retail park on Farnham Road.

Buzz Bingo

Slough Observer:

A popular Bingo hall was shuttered on April 10 after a longstanding role in the local community.

Buzz Bingo cited the "ongoing and challenging operating environment" as its reason to close its site on the Bath Road in what was once the Adelphi Theatre, which saw performers such as The Beatles take the stage in its heyday.

Buzz Bingo's Chief Executive Dominic Mansour said: "In common with the entire leisure and hospitality sector, Buzz Bingo has failed to see customers return to the high street in the same numbers as before the pandemic.

"This, coupled with a squeeze on family finances brought about by rising inflation and energy prices alongside a jump in our own operating costs means we have no real option other than to cease trading in nine of our locations."

2 Geezas Barber Shop

Slough Observer:

A barbers shop at the heart of the community closed its doors for good on July 27.

2 Geezas Barber Shop, located in The Village Shopping Centre off Slough High Street announced the news in a heartfelt message.

They said: "It is with heavy hearts that we write to inform you about a difficult decision we've had to make.

"After many years of shared laughter, countless haircuts, and unforgettable moments, our beloved barber shop has now closed its doors for good."

The pair added that due to circumstances out of their control they have had to say goodbye.

"This decision has not been easy, and we want you to know that we explored all possible options before arriving at this conclusion."

Lloyds / Halifax / Barclays / HSBC

Slough Observer:

This year has not been a good year for banks, with XX having closed across Slough and surrounding areas.

It comes as nationally there has been a move to online and mobile banking - meaning fewer people are using banks in person.

Halifax, located on Maidenhead High Street closed its doors on November 29 as it looks to axe dozens of branches across the country.

It cited the digital world as its reason for closure, adding that visits to the bank have fallen and only 83 customers bank in-store regularly.

In Windsor, Barclays on the High Street stopped trading on August 23.

HSBC also closed its Windsor branch on August 22.

In Slough, Lloyds closed its Buckingham Avenue branch on October 5.