Two stores set to close in a shopping center have sparked rumors that a popular retailer may be coming to town.
Homeland Furniture and Mooch in Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, have commenced a closing sale.
Homeland takes over the unit previously home to BHS, which closed in August 2016.
It is located on Calverley Road, but can also be accessed via the lower center shopping center between Eat Italiano and O2.
A photo of a closing sale sign at the front of the store was posted on a local Facebook group, sparking rumors about what would replace it.
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Many shoppers claimed that Primark was always destined for the city, but they had to wait until the current lease expired.
Others suggested there should be an H&M, Zara or Matalan in the unit.
One person said: “There have been rumors about Primark for years but before this would never have happened because when it was privately owned they wanted ‘higher’ quality stores.
“Which is ridiculous considering Primark would attract so many visitors!
“Now I understand that the council owns it and two cheaper stores have already been added, so I think they would love a Primark.
“It will really help the center and one of the few stores that can fill the space.”
Another added: “I’m not a fan of Primark and was so against the idea of moving to Tunbridge Wells but in recent years we’ve had to move this awful tat shop, pound shops and cheap fast food restaurants. so now I have personally accepted the inevitable.
“We need to get visitors back to Tunbridge Wells and if Primark can do that then so be it.
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“I hate to see the city with boarded up stores and big holes where we used to have shoe and clothing stores.”
In February, the global fashion brand announced plans to open five new stores.
These include Bury St Edmunds, Teesside Park and Glasgow Fort, with two additional sites in Epsom and Newbury by 2025.
A spokeswoman for the retailer said: “We’re happy to hear that people are keen to have a Primark store near them.
“As a growing company, we are always looking for new retail location options, but we cannot comment on speculation about where we might open next.”
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TMBC) says the building is not part of Royal Victoria Place and would not comment.
In September, the municipality decided to purchase the entire shopping complex.
A spokesperson said at the time: “The council has owned the center since it was built and believes it is uniquely placed to secure its future and its contribution to the city centre.
“The council wants to ensure that Royal Victoria Place continues to play a strong role in maintaining the attractiveness of the city for residents, employers and visitors alike.
“We have had some exciting discussions with potential tenants – retailers, leisure operators, food and drink providers and community groups. By working with experts in this field, we are confident that we can increase both the number of visitors and occupancy in the center.”
Mooch, located in the upper mall, has also started a closing sale.
It sells a range of greeting cards and gift boxes, as well as home decor, candles and stationery.
A sign states that the store will be closed on Saturday, June 22, and that all stock can be discounted by up to 50%.
Nevertheless, shoppers recently welcomed the Scandinavian brand Søstrene Grene.
The Danish homewares and lifestyle company decided to open its first branch in Kent in the shopping centre.
The aim is to launch 50 stores in the UK within the next three to four years.
Located next to Fenwick on the top floor, the new branch opened its doors last Friday (June 14).