As the year comes to an end, we are reflecting on the businesses that opened in 2023.

Though a few businesses have closed, some businesses opened or moved to locations in Croydon this year.

Therefore, we have compiled a list of four of the shops that debuted in Croydon this year.

Deichmann

Deichmann is a family-owned company based in Germany and has existed for over 110 years.

Deichmann, Europe’s largest shoe retailer, arrived on 50 North End on November 30.

This new location came after the closure of another Deichmann which was based on 76 North End.

The shoe store is open every day, from 9am to 6pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays, and 9am to 7pm on Thursday.

M&S

A large M&S Foodhall opened up at 330 Purley Way after the branch closed many of its stores elsewhere.

In 2022, the branch announced plans to open in Purley Way after the M&S at the Whitgift Centre faced potential closure.

The Purley Way store opened on April 27 and created 150 available jobs.

The shop is open from 8am-8pm on Monday to Saturday and from 10am-4pm on Sundays.

Popeyes Louisiana Chicken

After opening branches across the country in Reading, Cambridge and Nottingham, Popeyes UK opened in Croydon this year on October 11.

The restaurant is situated at 43 George Street.

It offers seating for up to 76 guests for dine-in purposes, along with an additional 24 seats available outside.

For those who prefer a quick meal on the move, they also provide takeaway service.

Customers queued from October 11 at 4:30 to be the first to try their iconic chicken.

The chicken restaurant is open from 8am to 10pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 8am to 9pm on Sundays.

Sides

Croydon welcomed two chicken restaurants as Sides opened this year.

YouTubers The Sidemen had opened three others of these restaurants in the UK before they opened the Croydon Boxpark one at 99 George Street.

In 2022, it was announced that Sides would be coming to Croydon and finally opened on August 8.

The restaurant is open daily from 11am to 10:30pm.