SINCE THE pandemic began in 2020 a number of businesses have been forced to close down.

A number of non-essential businesses suffered financial losses when lockdowns meant they could not open. 

Here we look at some of the businesses in Oxfordshire that have been casualties of the pandemic:

1. Boswells 

In April 2020 the historic department store said it will never reopen again.

Long-serving pharmacist Adil Cohen said that the coronavirus lockdown in March had ‘speeded up’ the closure of Boswells, which began serving customers in 1738.

Boswells was Oxford's oldest department store.

2. M&Co

M&Co closed five stores across Oxfordshire.

In August 2020 it closed its shops in Witney, Kidlington, Bicester, and Wantage. 

Later on, in October of that year, the chain also announced its Abingdon store would be closing. 

3. Pizza Express 

Pizza Express announced in September that 73 restaurants would close nationwide.

One of these restaurants was the Oxford Castle branch.

4. Flight Centre

The travel agent announced its closure in September.

The Flight Centre, on Queen Street, had been temporarily closed since non-essential shops closed on March 24 2020.

The closure was blamed on 'the global travel industry' has come 'to a virtual standstill' in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. STA

The student travel agency announced it would cease trading in the UK back in August 2020.

The firm said it had 'no choice' but to close following the impact of the coronavirus crisis on tourism.

The George Street branch subsequently closed.

6. Argos 

Argos announced it would close its Oxford City Centre store in November 2020.

The New Inn Hall branch did not reopen after it closed for the first time in March.

This closure means the only remaining Argos in Oxford is inside the Sainsbury's at Heyford Hill, while there are collection points in Cowley and Headington.

7. Cath Kidston 

Cath Kidston announced it would be closing all of its stores nationwide due to financial struggles during the coronavirus pandemic.

The fashion business made the announcement in April 2020.

There were two Cath Kidston shops in Oxfordshire - one in Bicester Village and one in the Westage shopping centre.

8. TM Lewin

TM Lewin announced in June that it would close all of its shops due to the impact the pandemic had on sales.

The shirtmakers had a store in the Westgate shopping centre.

9. Laura Ashley 

In June Laura Ashley announced the closure of 70 stores nationwide.

The clothing and homeware store closed its Oxford, Bicester, and Henley store.

10. Frog Orange

Oxford's last remaining party shop closed in September due to a ‘perfect storm’ of a controversial road closure, coronavirus, and high rent.

Frog Orange Party, in Jericho, ends more than 30 years of trading after a nightmare year that started with a '30 per cent' drop in revenue following the closure of Walton Street last summer.

11. Debenhams 

Earlier this month it was announced that Debenhams would not reopen after the third lockdown ends.

In an email sent to employees, retail directors said that the store on Magdalen Street will not reopen because 'the landlord has served notice on the store as they have alternative plans for the site'.

12. WH Smith

Earlier this week it was announced that WH Smith in Cowley would permanently shut its doors.

WH Smith confirmed the rumours that the store will close in March when the lease expires, after one Cowley resident shared a picture of the shop that has displayed flashy '75 per cent off sale' and 'closing down' signs on its windows.

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