This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-48069210
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Debenhams closures: 'New' Wolverhampton branch to shut | Debenhams closures: 'New' Wolverhampton branch to shut |
(32 minutes later) | |
Wolverhampton's flagship Debenhams store opened to great fanfare 18 months ago - but it is now earmarked for closure. | |
The shop, one of 22 due to shut next year, opened in the city's £35m Mander Centre in October 2017. | The shop, one of 22 due to shut next year, opened in the city's £35m Mander Centre in October 2017. |
It was hailed as a "wonderful addition", with the council boasting of how 90% of the 150 staff were Wolverhampton residents. | |
The authority said it would boost the local economy's retail-offering and bring in more visitors. | |
Debenhams' PR people echoed the sentiment, hailing its commitment to regeneration. | |
"We are really enjoying being in the city," a spokesman said at the time. | |
But, following in the footsteps of Woolworths and BHS, its doors are set to shut for the last time. | |
"It's only just opened," Sheena Arnott, 57, of nearby Sedgley, said. | "It's only just opened," Sheena Arnott, 57, of nearby Sedgley, said. |
"I went in there yesterday, I go in once or twice a month." | "I went in there yesterday, I go in once or twice a month." |
With BHS also closing down there is not much left in the city, she said she will now travel to the Merry Hill shopping centre in Dudley. | |
"I don't drive so it's an hour on the bus for me," she said. | |
"It's sad, really." | "It's sad, really." |
"I've shopped [at a Debenhams] since I was a little girl, wherever I've lived I've shopped [there] - it would break my heart if this one closes," said Beverly Franklin, 62, | |
"I live in Wolverhampton, I would have to take the Metro to Birmingham and that's no good for me as a disabled person," she said, adding she does not shop online. | |
But for Marie Ashfield, Debenhams was too expensive and not a shop she used. | |
"I got to others, they are cheaper and pretty much the same as what you get at Debenhams," the tanning salon owner said. | |
Eric Nisbit, 57, from the Finchfield area, said there was an air of inevitability about the closure. | Eric Nisbit, 57, from the Finchfield area, said there was an air of inevitability about the closure. |
"When I shop in Debenhams, which I've done recently, I find there's a lack of stock," he said. | "When I shop in Debenhams, which I've done recently, I find there's a lack of stock," he said. |
"And there's a better variety on the internet on Debenhams' website." | "And there's a better variety on the internet on Debenhams' website." |
But he said the closure would add to the large number of empty shops in the centre of Wolverhampton. | |
"I would prefer to shop in the high street but the range of goods isn't there," he said. | |
Former John Lewis boss and West Midlands Metro Mayor Andy Street said he was very surprised and saddened to see Wolverhampton and Birmingham's Fort retail park on the closure list. | Former John Lewis boss and West Midlands Metro Mayor Andy Street said he was very surprised and saddened to see Wolverhampton and Birmingham's Fort retail park on the closure list. |
"Debenhams will be a particular loss to Wolverhampton after only opening a couple of years ago. My thoughts are with the staff affected." | "Debenhams will be a particular loss to Wolverhampton after only opening a couple of years ago. My thoughts are with the staff affected." |
Emma Reynolds, Wolverhampton North East MP, said it was hugely disappointing news. | Emma Reynolds, Wolverhampton North East MP, said it was hugely disappointing news. |
"Closure will be a big blow to the city and especially the people who work there. It is a great store and I shop there regularly with my family," she said. | "Closure will be a big blow to the city and especially the people who work there. It is a great store and I shop there regularly with my family," she said. |
Latest news from the West Midlands | Latest news from the West Midlands |
Isobel Woods, Wolverhampton council's head of enterprise, said the announcement highlighted changes in the way people shop. | |
The council and Mander Centre owners Benson Elliott will be exploring "alternative scenarios" and staff would be supported, she said. | The council and Mander Centre owners Benson Elliott will be exploring "alternative scenarios" and staff would be supported, she said. |
"However, as it stands at the moment, this is sad news for everyone who works at our local store." | "However, as it stands at the moment, this is sad news for everyone who works at our local store." |
Ms Woods added the city had recently welcomed H&M, New Look, B&M and Matalan stores. | |
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone. | Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone. |