The video will start in 8 Cancel

GET THE BIGGEST STORIES FROM ACROSS SOMERSET STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX SIGN UP Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

No one likes to see a closed shop, do they?

It has been a difficult time for retailers so far in 2018, with the likes of Maplin, Toys R Us, Poundworld filing for administration.

Closing businesses have axed a significant number of jobs in Somerset as consumers look to favour online shopping.

In light of this, we went for a walk through Taunton town centre, and photographed every single empty shop we found.

A 20-minute stroll found at least 15 stores were either closing or vacant.

Here is a list of outlets we found.

County Walk

Maplin

The County Walk outlet was one of hundreds to close after the electronics company failed to find a buyer.

The town's branch held a massive closing down sale, offering hugely discounted items including cables, CCTV equipment, soundbars and computer accessories.

Stopping outside it on June 14, two signs on the shop's doors read: "This store is now closed. The management and staff thank you for your custom".

Former Entertainer unit

The County Walk outlet remains closed after the popular children's shop moved to East Street.

Greenslade Taylor Hunt is currently in charge of advertising the unit to potential buyers.

East Reach

The Dental Office

The dentist very suddenly closed over the past few months and leaves a vacant spot on East Reach.

North Street

Poundworld (soon to be closing)

The North Street store opened less than a year ago to huge queues and fanfare, but is now closing down.

Poundworld has struggled to find a buyer since the announcement that the business had gone into administration - and 5,300 jobs, including around 30 roles in Taunton, are at risk.

It's now having a closing down sale with discounts of up to 50 per cent off stock.

49 North Street

Next door to Mountain Warehouse is another vacant unit.

A sign above the shop appears to show it's up for sale or to let.

Jones Bootmaker

This unit has been closed for nearly a year with only the branding remaining.

There is currently no indication what could replace Jones.

Former Co-Operative Bank

Based in between Lush and Boots Opticians, the store is currently in a sorry state.

The Co-operative Bank closed its doors on April 18 as part of a phased programme of 27 branch closures across the country.

The nearest branch for customers is a 27 mile trip to Exeter.

High Street

Saltrock

The Fore Street store, which sold clothing, footwear, surf wear, accessories and skateboards, shut its doors without warning in June.

A sign has been posted in the window stating: "Store closure: Nearest stores are Minehead and Clark's Village, or visit our website saltrock.com."

When approached for a comment, a spokeswoman for Saltrock told Somerset Live that the store was "unprofitable" and had to close.

The Live Room

This nightclub was opened to great fanfare in April 2013 but then mysteriously closed five months later.

Once visited by Queen guitarist, Brian May, the High Street venue described itself as the only live music venue in Taunton.

A re-brand was rumoured but the club remains shut.

High Street unit

This High Street outlet is based opposite the former The Live Room and Moshulu.

Not much is known about what could happen to the unit but it is the perfect size to be turned into a humble tea room or cafe.

High Street unit 2

Based in between Henrys and Cafe Culture, this shop has been closed for some time.

Party On

The 'cult' fancy dress shop has been a fixture in the town centre for 18 years.

Barry Spiller, Party On's financial director, told Somerset Live the closure was a result of "challenging and difficult" trading conditions as well as a spell of break-ins.

The Party On signage has been removed and an advertisement online appears to show it's up for sale.

Orchard Shopping Centre

Vacant shop

This closed store is based opposite Warren James and could be home to a thriving business if re-opened.

Vacant shop 2

While it might be empty, this shop is being used as a demonstration to what a new shop could look like.

That is of course a new retailer is interested in taking it on.

Vacant shop 3

Next door to the previous shop, it is being used to advertise Orchard Shopping Centre.

The signage states the area attracts a five-and-a-half million visitors and the range of units available to potential buyers.

Vacant shops below nationwide levels, say Taunton Deane Borough Council

(Image: Laura Linham)

A spokeswoman for Taunton Deane Borough Council said that while retail is experiencing "challenging times", the local authority is working hard to limit the number of empty shops.

A statement read: "Taunton's vacancy rate is lower than the South West and national average according to the most recent Springboard Vacancy Rate Survey.

"Vacant Ground Floor Units; Taunton 6.8 per cent, South West 8.1 per cent and UK 9.2 per cent.

"The survey is conducted on the primary shopping areas which are: Bath Place, The Bridge, Cheapside, County Walk, The Courtyard, Crown Walk, East Street, Fore Street, High Street (to Hatchers), North Street, Orchard Shopping Centre, Riverside Place and St James Street (to old swimming pool).

"Retail is nationally experiencing challenging times but the council is not complacent as our Business Development team regularly liaises with letting agents who say there is still an active interest in the town.

"The opening of Hubbox in the near future, recent relocation of the Entertainer and the investment Lakeland Plastics are currently undertaking on their store shows businesses still want to come to and invest in the town centre.

"It's also important to stress that a shop may appear vacant/unoccupied but is under offer or is about to be occupied.

poll loading Are empty shops in Taunton a growing problem? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No Possibly I don't know

Reasons to be cheerful

(Image: St Modwen)

If this story has left you feeling downbeat about Taunton's future, there are plenty of new businesses, shops and restaurants coming to the town.

The redevelopment of the Firepool site – including office space, a cinema, retail and up to 200 homes – were approved by the council's planning committee in mid-March.

The Firepool site, based between Taunton railway station and Somerset County Cricket Club, could bring new businesses, jobs and investment.

A new Hubbox branch on North Street was given the green light by Taunton Deane Borough Council in April.

The burger chain will move inside the building which formerly housed Roots Cafe and Red-Hot Razzberry.

The former Lane Hammett Stationers store on Paul Street was recently taken over by independent plastic-free shop, Lesser Litter.

Plans to bring office and restaurant space, a car park and 28 one-bed apartments and 14 two-bed apartments for Coal Orchard were recently unveiled.

Want more news?

To keep up to date with our latest news, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Find our Bath Facebook page here or Somerset's can be found here.

Alternatively, follow us on Twitter - @BathLive and @SomersetLive.