RETAILERS across Hampshire and the rest of the country have had a tough time during the covid pandemic.

Many high street retailers have been forced to close their doors for good.

Daily Echo: The former Topshop store in Above Bar StreetThe former Topshop store in Above Bar Street

Take a walk around Southampton and it won't take long to spot an empty store.

However, new figures show that retail sales have been on the rise.

Fashion store sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Daily Echo: Closed shops in Above Bar Street during the lockdown in November 2020.Closed shops in Above Bar Street during the lockdown in November 2020.

Furthermore, total sales in July were up 6.4 per cent compared to a year ago, although this is down on the three-month rolling average of 14.7 per cent.

With hope for the high street, we asked Daily Echo readers which shop they would love to see in Southampton.

What types of shops you'd love to see:

  • Toy shop
  • Music/record shop
  • Bakery
  • Craft store
  • Pet shop
  • Disney store
  • Independent retailers
  • Greengrocers
  • Woolworths...
  • Sephora
  • HMV
  • Mango
  • Pull&Bear
  • Bring and buy market
  • Butchers
  • Sweet shop
  • Indoor market