Wolverhampton shoppers reeling at closure of Debenhams' Mander Centre store
The loss of Debenhams has been described as a “big blow” and “terrible news” as shoppers in Wolverhampton reacted to news the city store is set to close next year.
The 93,000 sq ft flagship store is one of 22 that will close its doors as part of the chain’s restructuring plans.
The Mander Centre store first opened in October 2017 and employed 150 staff.
The site’s Birmingham’s Fort Shopping Park will also shut its doors next year.
WATCH: Shoppers sadness at closure
Gavin Rhodes, who lives in the city, said places like Debenhams would soon become “extinct” due to the lack of footfall and the rise in online shopping.
The 36-year-old said: “Look around Wolverhampton – is this really the town where you need expensive shops?
“It’s not doing too much trade anyway. People only go in their to use the toilets and for Costa.
“The only worry is that there is going to be job losses in Wolverhampton.
“What have you really got good in the city? The footfall isn’t there. See how many people are actually shopping in there – there isn’t many.
“Suddenly places like Debenhams are going to be extinct soon because people are looking for bargains and they can get that online from places like Amazon. The people who are shopping in town are the older generation and there’s a decline – younger people are shopping more and more online.”
Jean Jarrett, from Penn, said the shop hadn’t “taken off” – but said the city needed it. The 82-year-old said: “From the activity in Wolverhampton there’s not much call for it. I don’t think it’s taken off here. I can’t say I will miss it here because I’ve not used it very much.
"We need it – I’m not denying that. I’m very sad about all those stories closing. Online shopping has done it and I mean Wolverhampton, when I was growing up, was a lovely town but sadly we’ve lost a lot and I’m very sad about that.
“What do we do with those empty buildings now? They will all just remain empty.
“I’m not surprised by the decision but I’m very sorry about it.”
One passing shopper, who did not wish to be named, described it as “terrible news” – and said competition had harmed the chain.
She said: “It’s terrible news. We’ve lost BHS and there will be nothing left and nowhere to have a look around. I think it will be a big blow. I think we will all sadly miss the bit of quality.
“I shopped in there and I’ve got all of my wardrobe from there. On a special occasion it’s nice to go in there, too.
“I would say it’s down to competition – Primark is full and Debenhams is nearly empty.
"I’m 76 and Wolverhampton has changed a lot over the years. It is a great shame but trends change.”
Mayor Andy Street: There's still time to save Debenhams
The West Midlands Mayor has called for “one last roll of the dice” in a bid to persuade Debenhams not to close its Wolverhampton store.
Andy Street admitted he was shocked to hear that the chain’s Mander Centre store is due to close next year, as part of plans to shut down 50 underperforming stores.
But the former John Lewis boss says that all may not be lost, insisting that there may still be a chance of saving the store.
He said: “The Debenhams closures across the country were not unexpected, but I was genuinely surprised that the Wolverhampton store was among them as they only recently made the decision to open.
“In such circumstances it will have assessed the market before opening, so to take the decision to close so soon is surprising.
"However, there are some months before it is due to close so I would not say there is no chance of saving it.
"Retail is always changing, and the owners of the Mander Centre will be thinking carefully about their next move.
“There is always the option of a last roll of the dice to try and dissuade Debenhams from closing the store.
“Wolverhampton is a city that is taking a lot of investment so it is up to us to give Debenhams a reason to think differently.”
