Bracknell shops we loved and lost in 2023

Although the Lexicon has transformed into a thriving shopping complex over the last 5 years, many people have also lost their favorite shops in the process.

According to recent research, hundreds of companies across Bracknell Forest closed their doors for good between 2022 and 2023 both within the town centre and throughout the surrounding area. 

As the year comes to an end, we look at some of the stores that have disappeared throughout 2023. 

Alongside shop closures in 2023, many people across Bracknell are still mourning the disappearance of those who were closed during the pandemic and failed to reopen.  

Here are some of the shops that we loved and lost this year.

Paperchase

In February, Paperchase closed after going through months of administration and discussions with Tesco about the sale of the intellectual property.

Although the sale was approved, all physical shops were forced to close, and hundreds of jobs were lost. The unit which once housed the stationary shop still lies empty with its entrance shuttered. 

At the time shoppers said they were disappointed to see the go as it was called the ‘town’s best shop’ by two readers and Bracknell residents.

Plush

In earlier 2023, shoppers were shocked to see huge black and yellow ‘closing down’ signs on the windows of the huge Plush store in The Lexicon.

Located on Braccan Walk, the furniture shop was launched in October 2021, joining other stores in the newly regenerated town following the chaos of Covid-19. 

Shoppers were shocked that just two years later it was getting ready to close its doors. 

Menkind

Located on Braccan Walk, the shop is considered a haven for boy’s toys when searching for the perfect present around Christmases and birthdays. 

Although the store closed earlier this year, it has now reappeared in the town just in time for Christmas.

Four State

An independent stop, which opened at The Lexicon in October 2022 closed its doors in March 2023 after only five months in Bracknell town centre.

Four State opened its Bracknell branch on The Avenue, taking over the former Sea Salt clothing store when it left the shopping centre in August 2022.

According to The Lexicon, the small store offering a range of eco-friendly products made the decision not to extend its short lease despite a busy Christmas period.

Shoppers expressed their disappointment when they found that some shops only have a short-term lease within the shopping complex.

Sea Salt

The independent clothing store was one of the first to open in 2017 following the creation of The Lexicon. It was forced to close its doors to the disappointment of many shoppers. 

The Bracknell branch was part of Sea Salt Cornwall’s portfolio which included around 70 other branches across the UK.  

The closure "gutted" many of its regular shoppers who frequented the shop because of its excellent customer service.  

The brand, which was founded in 1981 and headquartered in Falmouth, has said a “fond farewell” as it prepares to shut down on August 27. 

A sign on the door said that the company has “loved being here” but “sadly” it will no longer operate from the borough. It now however still maintains shops in Windsor and Guildford. 

Despite Bracknell suffering a massive loss in the closure of these popular shops, a host of other stores and eateries have arrived in the town centre.

This includes the arrival of Sports Direct, Robert Dye, and Søstrene Grene who recently joined the offering within Bracknell.