Walsall shopping centre future 'still bright'
The future of a Black Country shopping centre is still bright despite the impending loss of a leading retailer, bosses have said.
While Argos is to leave the Saddlers Shopping Centre in Walsall next month, owner Topland said jewellers F Hinds is due to open along with the Walk-in Health Centre and there are also plans to create a food court to boost trade in the town centre.
Owners say they are in talks with major retailers about taking over the Argos space.
Bodycare has also taken up space in the centre while Blue Inc and Costa are also based in the shopping mall.
Steve Pope, group director, said: "The centre's void rate in the scheme is five per cent compared to the town at 30 per cent and we have completed 52 individual transactions since acquisition in February, 2013.
He said the facts speak for themselves, adding: "We are surprised that Argos are moving out of the scheme as a lot of customers shop in Argos because of the proximity of the Bradford Street bus station.
"We believe the introduction of our new Food Zone and increasing the amount of local services available in the centre with the CCG Walk-in-Centre will more than replace this store.
"Topland are already in discussion with a number of major retailers to take over the Argos store and provide an improved retail offer in this part of the scheme."
He added: "We will continue to focus on this loyal customer base and continue to offer convenient, shopping with reasonably priced, secure , good parking for our customers.
It was announced last month that Argos will be opening its first digital store in the Midlands at the Crown Wharf retail park, opposite the Walsall Waterfront, in February.
Tablets will replace traditional catalogues and paper forms at the planned store in Wolverhampton Street. Staff working at the existing outlet will be offered the chance to transfer.
A statement from the firm said: "The digital store will have a fresh and contemporary look, where tables of tablets will replace Argos' traditional laminated catalogues, paper slips and pencils.
"This means that shoppers will be able to take advantage of the speed and convenience of online shopping in their local store."
