Why I think a shift to online shopping will help save brands such as Topshop

But knowing that Asos, one of the largest online fashion retailers, has saved the Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge brands gives me a little comfort and to me feels like a blessing in disguise.

In recent years I know my shopping habits have shifted, once I found entering a shop to buy clothes exciting as it would signal something great was on the way, such as a holiday or I would be going ‘out out’ with friends.

Now however, shopping in store can feel more like a chore; sifting through racks of clothes to find your size, and at times purchasing something on the wrong hanger, or visiting numerous shops to find that perfect outfit and, if you’re anything like me, getting fed up and leaving with nothing.

Don’t get me wrong I love a day shopping in Meadowhall or wherever it may be but I think there is a time and place for it.

But, in a pre-Covid time I would find myself shopping online anyway or gravitating towards online retailers such as Asos as a time saving measure, being able to quickly find what I need and often getting it delivered the next day.

And I think that need – or want – for an online market has come to the fore during the pandemic, with shops unable to open their doors due to lockdown restrictions.

Online brands such as Boohoo and In The Style can also adapt quickly to emerging trends leaving the fashion-conscious able to keep up with the catwalk at just a fraction of the price.

Known as fast fashion, this can have a detrimental impact on the environment but often retailers are doing their bit to combat this – with Asos being part of numerous sustainable sourcing programmes.

It’s always heartbreaking to hear of job losses due to store closures but as these online brands grow so inevitably will the job market.

And I believe this growth can only be a good thing and a shift to online only shopping may be what is needed to help some retailers survive for years to come.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.