Two stores set to close at 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 launched their clearance sale.
Homeland takes over the unit that was previously home to BHS – which closed in August 2016.
It is located on Calverley Road but can also be accessed via the lower shopping center in the center where it sits between Eat Italiano and the O2.
A picture of a going-out-of-sale sign at the front of the store was posted on a local Facebook group, sparking speculation about what would take its place.
Many shoppers claimed that Primark was always meant for the town but had to wait until the current lease expired.
Others suggested that H&M, Zara or Matalan should go to the unit.
One person said: “Primark has been rumored for years but it would never have happened before because when it was privately owned they wanted ‘higher end’ stores.
“Which is ridiculous because Primark would bring in so many people!
“I understand now that the council owns it and two cheaper stores have already come up so I believe they would like Primark.
“It will really help downtown and one of the few stores that could fill the space.”
Another added: “I’m not a fan of Primark and was against the idea of moving to Tunbridge Wells but over the last few years we’ve moved this awful tattoo shop, pound shops and cheap fast food outlets. so now I have personally accepted the inevitable.
“We have to get back to Tunbridge Wells and if Primark can do that then so be it.
“I hate to see a town with boarded up shops and big openings where we used to have shoe and clothing shops.”
In February, the global fashion brand announced plans to open five new stores.
These included Bury St. Edmunds, Teesside Park and Glasgow Fort, with two further branches in Epsom and Newbury for 2025.
A spokeswoman for the retailer said: “We are delighted to hear that people would like to have a Primark store close to them.
“As a growing business, we are always looking for new store location opportunities, but we cannot comment on speculation about where we might open more.”
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TMBC) says the building is not part of Royal Victoria Place and will not comment.
In September, the local authority decided on the complete purchase of the shopping complex.
A spokesman at the time said: “The council has owned the private property of the center since it was built and believes it is uniquely placed to secure its future and its contribution to the town centre.
“The council is committed to ensuring that Royal Victoria Place continues to play a significant role in maintaining the attractiveness of the city for residents, employers and visitors alike.
“We have had a number of exciting conversations with potential tenants – retailers, leisure operators, food and drink providers and community groups, and working with industry experts we are confident we can increase both footfall and occupancy at the centre.”
Mooch, located in the upper mall, has also launched a clearance sale.
It sells a range of greeting cards and gift wrap, as well as home decor, candles and stationery.
The sign says the shop will close on Saturday 22nd June and all stock will be up to 50% off.
Despite this, shoppers have recently welcomed Scandinavian brand Søstrene Grene.
A Danish homewares and lifestyle company has decided to open its first branch in Kent inside a shopping centre.
It aims to launch 50 stores across the UK over the next three to four years.
Located next to Fenwick on the top floor, the new branch opened its doors last Friday (June 14).