BHS

On nearby Abington Street, a similar fate awaits the former BHS and Marks & Spencer buildings, which later this year will be torn down to create more flats.

The challenges proved too much for some chains, including rival department stores BHS and Debenhams.

“He is champing at the bit to resume the job he loves — coaching high school athletes on the football field for BHS,” they wrote.

There are projections that as many as 10,000 spectators, a 20-fold increase over the usual 500 who attend a typical BHS game, plan to be on hand to show support for Mr. Kennedy’s return — or to protest.

Several large shops on Oxford street have closed in recent years, including Debenhams, BHS and Top Shop.