Sutton has lost three businesses so far this year, and they all have one thing in common.
According to the Centre for Retail Research, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the worst years on record for UK high streets and retail centres.
An estimated 17,350 stores are expected to shut their doors - the highest number since 2022.
In Sutton, shop closures and falling footfall reflect a struggling town centre, as local businesses grapple with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the relentless rise of online shopping.
In March alone, three businesses in Sutton closed for good.
Here’s a closer look at each one:
TazZA Coffee
In early March, the owners of TazZa Coffee announced that the café on 188 High Street would close.
The café first opened in 2010 and was due to celebrate its 15th anniversary this December.
However, the owners admitted that they found it “really hard” to keep the café open due to the cost-of-living crisis.
The owners delivered a heartfelt statement ahead of its closure, saying it was also a “time to celebrate all that TazZa has meant to the high street and to the many people, staff, families, and individuals”.
They added: “Seeing your familiar faces, hearing your stories, and being part of your daily life has meant so much to us.
"In recent years, with increasing costs on all fronts, we have done our very best to bring the best coffee & food that the high street can offer... but financially, it’s been really hard.
“We want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you who have walked through our doors, supported us, and made this journey so special.
“Though this chapter is closing, the memories and relationships built will last.”
TazZa Coffee officially closed its doors on March 15.
The Well Coffee Lounge
While TazZa Coffee had a history of 14 years behind it, The Well Coffee Lounge in Carshalton had a much shorter lifespan, lasting only 18 months.
The Well Coffee Lounge on 320 Carshalton Road announced in the middle of March that it would stop trading.
In a statement on social media, the owners of The Well Coffee Lounge said: “The coffee shop first opened in September 2023
“We have stopped trading for now.
“Thank you for all your custom and support over the last 18 months.
“We hope to be back serving our local community very soon.”
The Well Coffee Lounge closed its doors on March 15.
Boescakes
Boescakes in Sutton had an even shorter run than The Well Coffee Lounge.
In late March, Boescakes on Station Parade announced that they would be closing their Sutton branch after just 16 months after it first opened.
The owners said they were “gutted” by their decision to close, but said it was due to being in close proximity to its Wallington branch and “not making the money”.
The owners made it clear that the closure wasn’t a sign of failure, but a sacrifice to get through “the rising cost of life”.
The announcement was made on the day of its closure, and they said it felt “embarrassing”.
Customers were invited on the last day to buy the remaining cupcakes for just £1.
However, Boescakes still operates branches in Wallington, West Wickham, and Whyteleafe.
In a statement posted on social media, Boescakes said: “We are gutted that this is happening.
“We have chosen to make today the last day.
“It’s too close to our Wallington branch, and it’s sadly not making the money.
“And in the climate of today, we are feeling this, so we have chosen to go down to three shops.
“This is not failing.
“This is trying to get through the rising cost of life.
“We have noticed everything has gone up and it’s only going to get worse.
“Thank you, Sutton, for having us, but we are only down the road in Wallington.
“We are super sorry we haven’t given more notice.
“We hope we pick up a little bit.
“It feels so embarrassing that this is happening, but it’s the reality of life right now, and this is the norm.
“We have seen so many businesses closing.
“Thank you, and we are sorry.”
Boescakes closed on March 30.
