Debenhams woe is only the latest

With Debenhams facing financial strife and possibly having to close up to 80 stores with the potential loss of thousands of jobs (Mirror, Sept 11), how long will it be before there are no familiar names on high streets?

The Government needs to act fast to level the playing field between high street shops and the big online retailers. They must force the likes of Amazon to pay their fair share of tax, cut exorbitant business rates and end the construction of these massive, out-of-town retail centres.

I hope your campaign to save Britain’s high streets is a success. C Matthews, Rotherham

As the saying goes, what goes around comes around. The big stores are shouting because of the growth in online shopping, but a few decades ago the rise of these very same stores led to the closure of thousands of small shops. This sparked the decline of the high street which has never recovered.

Now they are getting a taste of their own medicine and don’t like it. All the major retailers are to blame for the state of the high street, be they food, furniture or clothing stores.

Ray Bolitho, Margate, Kent

With the news that Debenhams may have to close dozens of shops which could lead to thousands of job losses, your High Street Fightback campaign has never been needed more. Remember, not everyone wants to shop online and many rely on their local high street, not only to purchase the necessities but for a bit of social interaction with friends and neighbours.

The Government needs to do something to help save the great British high street. Margaret Thorpe Darlington, Co Durham

We are hearing a lot about shops closing down, in part due to the rise of online shopping. However, some stores do not help themselves.

I enquired about a book at a wellknown book store to be told it was not in stock but I could get it online.

Similarly, trying to get hold of a record for a present at HMV I was told it was not in stock and would take seven to 10 days to order, but I could get it online.

Both times, although helpful, staff pushed me to go online to order. I did and both items were delivered in one day. Again, no wonder high street retailers are shutting up shop. R Hughes, Sutton Bridge, Lincs

Good luck with your campaign to reinvigorate Britain’s high streets. As my wife said, with Marks and Spencer being forced to close stores and now Debenhams in trouble, there will be no big shops left in our local town centre. Soon there will be no point going into town. John Shale, Wigan

Debenhams needs a shake-up of middle management and dinosaur bosses. The fashion is from a bygone age and it even makes Marks and Spencer look up-to-date.

Even the staff don’t believe in the products – I know, I worked there. D Milner, Staffs

I have to say I’m not surprised Debenhams is suffering financially. Not upmarket enough to appeal to top-paying customers, yet not individual or cheap enough to have mass appeal to the public, it falls into no-man’s land. Perhaps a change of image is necessary to revive its fortunes. Diane Silva, Lytham, Lancs