Much loved London shop Cool Britannia to close leaving famous Oxford Street ‘without identity’

London’s official gift shop is closing down leaving customers shocked that ‘a British symbol has died’.

Cool Britannia, on Oxford Street, central London, has announced a closing down sale with signs pictured in the window.

It specialises in patriotic items, with Union Jacks, big red buses and Paddington Bears adorned on mugs and key chains.

This has left some customers feeling disappointed that ‘brand GB’ is on the downhill.

Londoner Neil Davidson wrote: ‘Cool Britannia retail in Oxford Street has a closing down sale, reflecting on what’s happening to our great country.’

Shopper Parineeta Juneja told Metro the street is at risk of losing it’s ‘iconic identity’, especially as new plans to pedestrianise the area were announced just weeks ago.

Others added they would have ‘preferred candy stores’ to have closed.

Riyad Ali said: ‘I would rather the money laundering front shops to have shut down, and keep something that has actually been reputable over the years.’

The chain’s other store in Whitehall and Buckingham Palace remain open.

But Oxford Street is seemingly struggling to retain any retailers, with John James, owner of Ilona Rose House by Tottenham Court Road station, saying the iconic street is no longer the ‘premium shopping experience it once was’.

He told Metro: ‘Oxford Street has been left with loads of empty buildings after brands have decided it is not worth the money staying.

‘That’s why the place is filling up with American Candy stores and vape shops, landlords need to fill up their buildings with something.’

Metro has contacted Cool Britannia for comment.

It comes as Londoners complain the famous street has become riddled with American Candy Stores and derelict buildings.

In January, Park House, which is home to Pandora, Swarovski, Urban Outfitters, Bershka and the flagship River Island store, said the retailers are trying to cancel their lease.

Microsoft has also announced they will be closing down their Oxford Street store to focus on ‘digital growth’ after opening the 21,000 sq ft shop six years ago.

Jonathan Strong, speaking on behalf of Park House, said: ‘Park House occupies an entire urban block and includes [92,000 sq ft] of retail over basement, ground and first floors.

‘It is situated opposite Marks and Spencer and diagonally across from Selfridges, yet has not been performing well in terms of attracting footfall or retail expenditure.

‘In fact, most of the retail tenants of Park House are seeking to exit the building at the earliest opportunity.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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