Another store to go
STOCKPORT town centre has been dealt a further blow with news that another major retailer is set to leave.
Clothes chain New Look announced this week proposals to shut its outlet in Merseyway, just two weeks after Marks and Spencer confirmed it will be going.
And the Toys R Us shop at the Peel Centre is currently having a closing down sale, although no date had been confirmed for its closure.
Further trouble could be on the horizon with electronics chain Maplins, which has a branch on Peter Street, in receivership.
The news has raised concerns for Stockport’s town centre and forced council and business leaders to look at ways to overcome the challenges. Helen White, from Totally Stock- port, said: “We have to face facts, the way we use our town centres today is changing but, while in the immediate future this creates challenges, it also presents opportunities.
“The news that four of the largest high street retailers are set to either streamline or close their UK operations is indicative of the way our town centres are changing.
“Stores have suffered in the wake of the digital era where the ‘clicks’ – convenience of online shopping – has become preferable to the ‘bricks’ of physically visiting the stores.
“In the here and now, it seems like bad news for Stockport but if we can provide popular, alternative reasons for people to come, they will.”
New Look, which also has a branch at the Peel Centre, announced on Thursday that Merseyway was among 60 of its 593 shops set to close
Executive chairman Alistair McGeorge said: “Given our challenged trading performance and over-rented UK store estate, we are having to take tough but necessary actions.”
All stores will remain open as normal until creditors vote on March 21.
Marks and Spencer, which employs around 100 people at Merseyway, will close on April 21 and describes the decision as ‘difficult but necessary’.
Toys R Us announced on Friday an ‘extensive closing down sale’, warning customers that gift cards and deposits under the Take Time to Pay scheme would only be guaranteed for three more days.
But the council says there are reasons to remain positive over Stockport as a place to shop and - as housing development continues - to live.
It is investing more than £1bn in redevelopments and has plans for a food court on Arden Walk and small retail pods down the centre of Merseyway.
The produce hall on the Market Place will be turned into a gourmet food area and events such as the independent Makers Market are attracting visitors.
A council spokesman said: “Stockport remains the most popular town centre within South Manchester, attracting over 15 million visitors each year.
“This is being further reinforced by the ongoing £1 billion transformation currently being undertaken, which will ensure the town centre meets the future changing trends and patterns of not only retailing but other uses too.”
» ● Security guards now patrolling town centre - see page 5