Dozen stores empty at Merry Hill

A dozen units are standing empty at Dudley's Merry Hill shopping centre, sparking fears the mall has been hit by the credit crunch.

But bosses say three new stores are ready to open and just two units are still available to lease.

Woodbridge, a handbags and luggage shop, is opening today, while three further units are being fitted-out for Suits You, Books Extra and Infinity Housewares.

Merry Hill centre manager, Emma Hindes, said: "With a shopping centre the size of Merry Hill there are always going to be retailers coming and going.

"We actually only have two units available for lease at the moment, and we've got some very exciting retailers in the pipeline.

"Merry Hill continues to attract new and exciting brands such as Superdry Store and Henleys, which recently opened."

But despite the trade boost, several stores are holding closing down sales.

Envy fashion chain is among those advertising a closing down sale.

Staff did not want to comment but said a firm closing date had not yet been set and they were hoping for an upturn in sales.

The store employs seven full and part-time staff.

But at another clothing store Bizz owner Jogo Mann is more optimistic about the future of the centre.

Despite a closing down sale, the discount clothing company will re-open just doors away.

The 39-year-old said staff would probably be moving by the end of August.