Pedestrians stroll along a stretch of grass lined with giant flower pots between the Omega boutique and the Selfridges department store. This computer-generated image gives an overview of London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans to pedestrianize Oxford Street by 2027. The street, frequented by tourists since the late 19th century.my century, is currently open to buses and black taxis, which are supposed to leave the premises in three years.
“Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of retail in the UK, but it has suffered greatly over the last decade.declared the mayor, announcing his project. We must act urgently to bring life back to the most famous street in the country. »
Already affected by online commerce and the opening of the two Westfield mega shopping centres, at the west and east ends of the city, the famous thoroughfare has seen visitor numbers fall during the Covid-19 pandemic. The cost of living crisis that affected the United Kingdom at the end of this health episode dealt it a severe blow.
Several leading brands, some of them around for more than a century, have had to close their doors, including Debenhams, House of Fraser and Topshop. During 2023, the unemployment rate stood at 15.6%. However, the shop windows were not empty for long. The street was filled with shops selling cheap souvenirs, American candy, and vaporizers. Decorated with flashing lights and loud music, these posters completely changed the atmosphere of the place.
Investigation of twenty-six stores.
Minor crimes (theft, incivility) have more than doubled since the beginning of 2022, according to police figures. During the summer of 2023, the police became involved in a pitched battle with a gang of teenagers who came to steal sports brands, after a call was spread on social networks.
Shortly before, Westminster City Council, the local authority for the district of Westminster, had opened an investigation into twenty-six American sweet shops, all located on Oxford Street, accusing them of having evaded taxes of £9.2 million (11 million euros). The majority belonged to shell companies domiciled in extraterritorial centers, which made it difficult to identify their true beneficiaries.
More than £1 million worth of counterfeit goods, including Rolex watches and Apple products, as well as e-cigarettes containing levels of nicotine above legal standards, were also seized on the streets. By not attracting enough customers to be viable, these brands undoubtedly serve as a front. “to commit other crimes”local authorities estimated, leaving a suspicion of money laundering.
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