'I miss H&M' - The stores Blackpool shoppers want, from LUSH and Zara to UNIQLO and Woolworths

From Zara and H&M to Woolworths and Debenhams, Blackpool Gazette readers have revealed the brands they believe could encourage them to visit Blackpool town centre more often.

The Gazette asked readers on social media: "The one missing brand that would tempt me to shop more often in Blackpool town centre is..."

The responses come as high streets across the UK continue to face significant challenges. The growth of online shopping, changing consumer habits and rising business costs have contributed to the closure of many well-known retailers over the past decade, while town centres have increasingly focused on attracting a mix of national chains, independent businesses, leisure venues and hospitality.

Fashion retailers proved to be the most requested additions.

Sarah Long wrote: "Zara, H&M & make M&S back to 3 floors again!!"

Mary Alexander said: "H&M, Mango and Zara but then again I’d be broke."

Gemma Anderson commented: "Zara, pull and bear, Stradivarius, mango, bershka."

Lisa Lou Bel added: "Zara, H&M, miss selfridges, top shop, Dorothy Perkins just a few to name."

Caroline Williams wrote: "New Look needs to come back, Pull & Bear, Bershka and Stradivarius! Instead we get a larger Pandora store!? I really miss Jane Normal and La Senza!"

Blackpool Supporters Association said: "Definitely Zara and H&M. Don't understand why Blackpool has never had a Lush."

Abigail McMillan also called for: "Lush, Zara, bring back H&M, Zara, Oliver Bonas."

Emma True StyleAesthetics suggested: "Dunelm, Zara, Rituals."

Sharon Jackson simply wrote: "H&M, hasn’t been the same since it closed."

Several readers expressed nostalgia for retailers that have disappeared from Britain's high streets altogether.

Amy Green commented: "Woolworths C&A Debenhams and Wilkinson."

Anne West wrote: "Woolworths / C&A and the old indoor market as it use to be."

Viv Bell added: "Woolworth C&A, a proper market like we used to have, BHS, Lewis."

Sue Barraclough said: "Debenhams! It had everything you needed."

Vicky Barrett commented: "A return of BHS and Woolworths would be amazing, but in reality more independent shops."

Pat Eardley reminisced: "Etam, from the 1990s. I used to go in and want one of everything!"

Others felt the town centre would benefit from a stronger mix of shopping and dining options.

Christian Carr suggested: "A larger M&S with larger cafe/ restaurant."

Moira Sherlock wrote: "Wimpy, Independent clothes shop, Roman, Waterstones bookshop with a café in it, Weird fish."

Paul Burton said: "Pret or UNIQLO."

Marione Nixon commented: "Roman and guess, Lewis's."

Ashley Stoker called for: "United Colours of Benetton."

Amanda Highfield suggested: "The entertainer toy shop would be great here."

Debbie Porter said: "I miss Whittards and Thorntons."

Some readers looked beyond retail brands altogether.

Paul Barker wrote: "A proper traditional indoor Market."

Raquel Hesp suggested: "Ikea."

Rob Mountain simply answered: "A free car park."

Quila Rae looked back fondly at an earlier era of discount shopping, writing: "POUNDland.... in the day when everything was a pound."

The responses reflect both a sense of nostalgia for the high street names of the past and a desire to see Blackpool attract more major retailers, while others believe independent shops, improved facilities and a traditional market could play an equally important role in encouraging more people to shop in the town centre.