Some, more than others, held a special place in your hearts – so we’ve compiled a round-up of 18 of the closed Portsmouth shops you said you would love to visit one last time.
Each was recommend by readers of The News as they reminisced on Facebook. Honourable mentions – which we couldn’t find pictures for – were: Chelsea Girl, Trotters, EW Burnett & Sons, Snob, Faith, Hargreaves Sports, Frank Whitcomb's and Ravel. Which of all these do you miss the most?
1. Verrecchia - Guildhall Square, Portsmouth
A few of you said you long for the sweet treats at Verrecchia's old coffee house and ice cream cafe, left. The Civic Offices now stand where it once did.
Photo: Chris Owen
2. Woolworths - Commercial Road, Portsmouth
The Woolworths store on Commercial Road was a hugely popular suggestion. The shop shut in 2009 as the company entered administration.
Photo: Paul Jacobs
3. Handleys - Palmerston Road, Southsea
Formerly standing opposite Knight and Lee, Handleys was totally bombed in the Second World War, then rebuilt, before becoming part of Debenhams in the 1970s.
Photo: Robert James postcard collection
4. U-Need-Us - Arundel Street, Portsmouth
So many were shocked when this popular family party shop announced its closure in 2019. It was open for more than 94 years.
Photo: Chris Moorhouse