What's happened to Wolverhampton city centre? Shoppers disappointment as one in five stores empty
Shoppers in Wolverhampton believe the city centre isn't what it once was after it was revealed more than a fifth of stores are empty.
A report from the Local Data Company shows a rise to 21.8 per cent from last year when 17 per cent were empty.
It puts the city among the worst in the country for vacant shops – and has been worsened by the closure of BHS.
Retired structural engineer Eric Pritchard, from Penn, thinks one-stop superstores are one of the main reasons there are so many empty business premises in the city centre.
The 77-year-old said: "It's the same up and down the country. It's a sign of the times and it is a bit of a shame.
"There are Merry Hills and big superstores everywhere so why would people go to different shops on the high street when you can get everything in one go?
"I don't think it's good at all, the way it has gone. It's happened for a number of reasons really. There's such a mix of ethnicities in the city, it's hard for the city centre to cater for everybody.
"I think we'll catch up eventually and things will improve."
Receptionist Alison Webb, who was checking out a few shops with her granddaughter Amaya, three, believes the internet is the main reason for vacant shops in the city, but hopes things will improve.
The 44-year-old said: "I would always go to BHS, especially around Christmas time to get stuff in, so it'll feel strange not having it this year. It's good that we're getting a Debenhams, but that's not until 2017.
"We're a city, we should be looking to get more shops and more variety here, not less. You have to go across to Birmingham to get a lot of things because we just don't have them here.
"Things are supposed to be improving, so hopefully it'll be built back up."
Retired factory worker Perik Tushi, who lives in the city centre, believes businesses are finding it too costly to operate in the high street, and the lack of shops means it lacks character.
The 68-year-old, originally from Albania, said: "It is not so easy for these shops to have a physical presence in the city any more, which is a shame because a lot of people like to just go and have a look and maybe try things on.
"Having less shops is also bad for the image of the city."
Accountant Leah Woolridge thinks Wolverhampton city centre should be doing better, and would like a wider variety of shops in the town.
The 28-year-old from Bilston said: "It's nowhere near as busy any more and it is a shame. BHS has gone and WH Smith."
