Wigston has lost a number of independent shops in recent years
12:50, 09 May 2026
A mural in Leicester Road, located in the heart of Wigston.(Image: Leicester Mercury)
All towns are bound to change as the years pass, no matter where you are in the world.
Whilst change is often good and essential to keep an area thriving, sometimes I do think it can have the opposite effect.
A recent walk around the town of Wigston Magna, which is south of the city of Leicester, left me reflecting on the sad state of its high street.
For 24 years, I have lived in Wigston and visited Bell Street, taking countless walks also along Leicester Road.
I am proud to have grown up with this area close to my doorstep, with many fond memories of casual after-school trips and family outings.
A firm favourite was the paper shop which was once in Bell Street, now where mobile phone accessory shop, Meh-mi, sits.
After my mum picked up some groceries from the Sainsbury’s opposite, I would go in for the 10p sweets or on a summer’s day, an ice cream (specifically Calippo Shots, which were sadly discontinued years ago).
Another favourite of mine was the pet shop in Leicester Road, once called Granary Pets, before being named Fins, Furs & Feathers.
Top Fade in Leicester Road, which used to be home to Fins, Furs & Feathers.(Image: Leicester Mercury)
I particularly liked looking at the animals it had on sale, such as the hamsters – a pet I never could convince my family to buy.
By 2020, this pet shop had become a barber shop called Man Cave, which has since moved into Bell Street with another men’s salon, Top Fade, in its place.
Now at the time, maybe this switch didn’t seem too radical – or perhaps it did? Surely there’s always a demand for pet supplies.
This marked the beginning of a total overhaul of Wigston’s town centre as I once knew it – and not for the better.
It was almost like the independent, quirky shops which make a town individual in its own right were ripped from under my feet overnight.
Barber shops, nail bars and vape shops have incessantly made their mark – and I can’t begin to understand why.
Today, you can only really walk a few steps and it feels almost like déjà vu as you look up to see yet another business offering the exact same thing.
Whilst I agree that there should be somewhere to get your hair or your nails done, it makes me feel so disheartened to see there is no variety anymore.
When popping into town, one might hope to find a new item of clothing, a pair of shoes or a new accessory to wear.
Perhaps you want to find a great book, or take a look at some locally sourced or handcrafted products to give to a family or friend on their birthday – something a little different?
Well, sadly, Wigston would not be the place to find any of that.
When I was a child, Dorothy Perkins, which is now Peacocks in Bell Street, used to be bustling with shoppers.
I have visited Peacocks a couple of times recently to find plenty on the shelves, but nobody is shopping inside.
There was also Kimberley Blinds in Leicester Road, now Rijoke Supermarket, which sold soft furnishings as well as a selection of handbags.
Along this same street, there was Bits and Bobs which sold some lovely items for the home such as candles, dreamcatchers, bath bombs – and little random bits.
Now in its place is Razor King Barbers.
I also used to enjoy visiting Osbourne Stationers in Leicester Road which became The Bedder Place, a business selling beds.
That has recently become a cafe, Dubai Lunch, which I have noticed is closed now – albeit temporarily, according to information online.
I really hope that is the case as it certainly offers something unique to the high street, which was desperately refreshing.
A view of Bell Street in Wigston.(Image: Leicester Mercury)
On the topic of cafes, Wigston does have some nice cafes as well as a fantastic Wetherspoons pub and a popular Italian restaurant, Casa Nostra.
There is additionally a fantastic variety of charity shops as well as its longstanding stores including Iceland, Sainsbury’s, Boots and Superdrug.
But for me, what gives a place character is its quirky boutiques and shops selling items which you won’t find anywhere else.
Walking through Wigston today leaves me asking myself, what does this town have to offer that another doesn’t? A sentiment which I am sure is shared among other residents.
I can’t wrap my head around why there is such a high demand for barber shops and nail bars, and a seemingly low demand for real, independent stores.
Maybe it’s because online shopping has taken over, high leasing prices or even car parking charges in the town.
Whatever it is, I really hope that things can turn around completely in the moments ahead.
I would love to see a new clothing boutique thrive, or a quaint store selling a variety of home decor and gifts.
Among the same old stores, Wigston needs something fresh arriving in its high street, and something to set it apart.
The soul of its high street slowly feels as though it’s fading. I cannot be the only one who feels this way.
