Retail survivors in town centre reshuffle
Several household names are eyeing Stockport with large requirements for units, according to market speculation.
The requirement list includes Home Bargains, Primark, Wilkinson and H&M, the last three all new to the town. Primark is believed to be planning a full range 50,000 sq ft store.
In addition, agents say certain retailers already in the town are planning to take advantage of the opportunity to upsize created by voids and low rents – more than 20% of shops were empty at the end of 2009 according to the Local Data Company.
The resulting reshuffle has yet to be finalised but rumours include a purchase of the Co-operative store and splitting the vacant Woolworths store.
A lot of retailers had their heads turned by the Bridgefield scheme, now delayed indefinitely, which promised larger units and extra car parking. The delay has caused them to think again and look at current supply.
