I was in Brum last Saturday and wandered up to 'Rackhams' The 5th floor including the Restaurant is now shut but just looking around this lovely old shop it resembles the Marie Celeste HOF in Solihull is the same. Just wonder how much longer they can survive.Understand the Solihull shop was on the closure list but give a 12 month stay of execution but there is some query regarding the lease.
Yes, there has been in the news about potential other stores closing. No specific places were mentioned, but I did wonder about Birmingham's. I suppose, with any department store if there is any uncertainty over the lease of the premises, the independent sellers in there will just relocate to another place & if the owner can't find something else to bring in to attract visitors...
If HOF does go the we will have lost all the old department or similar stores.
For me, the decline of Corporation Street - and indeed most of the rest of the city centre - began when the new Bull Ring opened. Many of the big brand stores relocated there, and with all the car parking and the proximity to New Street & Moor Street stations I bet many visitors don't venture further than there (other than for a visit to Primark or M&S across the road).