And Liza Deeping, 57, from Leicester, reckoned the problem for many businesses is how the city center streets feel outside their doors.

She said: “I used to go there as a child with my dad. The staff were lovely, it was quite sad when it closed.”

“But the way the city is in general, I can understand it. I think a lot of people feel quite vulnerable.”

When the store closed in the summer, one shopper, Margherita Stevens, donned a black hat and veil as she mourned the loss of the store.

As the doors closed for the final time, the staff gathered for a round of applause.