At least one shopper suspects shoplifting could be behind the proposal to close the Marks & Spencer store.
Met Police figures show 25 shoplifting incidents were reported in North Walworth in January 2024, nearly triple the nine cases in January 2022.
One shopper, who gave her name only as Liz, said: “It’s not the busiest M&S but it’s steady so I’m a bit surprised.
“I imagine the amount of shoplifting around here doesn’t make things any easier for them.”
Anne Purcell, who was visiting the store with her daughter Catherine Durkin, said the loss of Marks and Spencer from the high street would be ‘terrible’ for Walworth.
She said: “It’s so essential. It’s always so busy – especially at the weekends.
“I’ve been coming here for 25 years. I come in for fruit and groceries, mostly, and I buy some clothes as well.”
Her daughter, Catherine, added: “It’s such a shame. It’s handy for mum because it’s not too far for her to travel on her own and it’s less busy than in Central London.”
June O’Shea, 61, said she was worried about the gap the store’s absence would leave on the street. She said: “It’s devastating for the Walworth Road. Marks and Spencer draws people from all around here.
“It’s going to bring the high street down not having it here. I think it has had a problem with shoplifting. I see it more and more around here.”
Dannica Joseph, 33, said it was a shame the store was closing, adding that she’d opt to do her shopping from Marks and Spencer online in the future. She said: “It’s terrible. I go there for kids’ clothes and pieces for school uniforms.
“The clothes are good quality compared to other places. I’m going to have to try online in the future. I’ll be sad to see it go.”
Marks & Spencer was asked whether shoplifting had contributed to the proposal to close.