Shoppers have their say on new Mander Centre stores

The new owners of the city's Mander Centre, Benson Elliot, have said they want to change the face of shopping in the centre by getting rid of a perceived 'discount store mentality' as it looks ahead to a £25 million revamp.

The firm is aiming to create a more upmarket feel, replacing 'pop-up' stores, discount stores and empty units with mid to high end fashion shops.

Swedish clothing company H&M topped an Express & Star online poll asking readers what stores they would like to see introduced when the new management takes over, followed by upmarket department store John Lewis.

H&M was the top choice for around one third of people, making it the clear front runner.

Next in line after John Lewis were Urban Outfitters and cosmetics store Lush.

However, readers suggested that Wolverhampton still has a long way to go to compete with other shopping centres in the region.

Daniel Findlay-Benfield wrote: "I think in order to become any sort of competition for nearby Merry Hill or the Bullring,Wolverhampton desperately needs an anchor shopping centre that reflects its status as a city in its own right.

"Not to say discount stores don't belong in the city centre,just maybe not inside a new one.

"This may attract people that may not have shopped here in the past,but also still retaining local shoppers too.

"Obviously don't want to alienate the people that do shop here,but Wolverhampton does need a variety of names to bring more money into the city."

Others claimed that while new stores and a revamped Mander Centre were positives for the city, issues such as free parking around the city centre and changes in shopping culture would make or break plans.

The issue of free parking has been brought up numerous times in the past by councillors and members of the public.

Richard Simcox shared his views, saying: "Wolverhampton is in desperate need of more quality stores, however that is not the golden bullet.

"Better car access, car parking, a roof over Dudley Street and maybe moving the market to the old Sainsburys building with access via a covered walkway would give shoppers easier access to an all weather shopping experience."

On changes to shopping trends, Charlotte Halford wrote: "Town centre shopping has basically changed.

"We need more meeting places: a cinema, a bowling alley, roller skating, family friendly restaurant chains, coffee houses, with some shops nearby.

"Most people shop online but people will always want to socialise and possibly buy the odd item when they are out doing this.

"This is what the town centre should be aiming for."