The empty shop problem in Walsall: Why it's getting worse - and what locals say should be done
Walsall shoppers have called for more to be done to encourage brand-name high street retailers to return to the town.
Walsall's high street, as with many others across the West Midlands and wider UK, has seen more shutters permanently come down on shops around the town centre.
In recent years the once popular shopping town has lost renowned businesses from its streets, including Heavenly Produce, in the Victorian Arcade, which had been operating for more than 20 years, gaming store Asgard Games in 2023, and Marks and Spencer in 2018.
Residents have claimed the reduction in interest in the town is due to online shopping, the opening of shopping centres like the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, and the deteriorating state of the town centre.
Tyler Parkes, aged 35 and of Alridge, said: "There isn't much to shop for around here. I only really come these days for the wharf or the cinema; that's what I'm doing here now.
"It's a bit pointless with online shopping as easy as it is. There's no real brand retailers here either, I'd rather go to McArthurGlen or something."
In days gone by Walsall town centre was home to many independent and chain retailers; now some shoppers say that over the last few years it has become a haven for 'knick-knack' shops.
Lisa Perkins, 56 and of Bloxwich, said: "There are a bunch of shops only down the road from each other that have carpets out and sell knick-knacks, like those back-flipping robotic dogs, suitcases and bubble blowers. Nobody wants those.
"I don't think it's the council's problem who the shops are rented to. But more should be done to encourage attractive brands to the town."
When asked about a solution for the lack of shops in the town centre, shoppers said that 'actively cleaning the streets', 'facing anti-social behaviour head-on' and 'remodelling the Saddlers Centre' are the key.
James Lester, 51 and of Brownhills, said: "We need to actually tackle anti-social behaviour instead of skirting around it. The streets need to be actively cleaned, and we need to make use of the Saddlers Centre.
"The Saddlers [centre] hasn't been worth going in since most of the shops closed in it. Argos, Gamestop, you used to get it all in there. We should remodel it, lower the rent prices, and be selective about what shops set up in there.
"We should encourage useful, attractive shops, not just whoever says they will pay rent on time."
When asked about the shoppers' concerns, Walsall Council pointed to its £1.5 billion programme of regeneration, which includes 'considerable funding' secured for investment into the town and district centres.
A Walsall Council spokesperson said: "The borough of Walsall is in the middle of a £1.5 billion programme of regeneration, with considerable funding secured by the council to inject new life into our town and district centres.
"This funding is enabling us to improve transport connectivity and enhance and improve local areas, creating opportunities to attract more footfall and subsequently attract a wider variety of retail, leisure and hospitality."
However, some residents think that improved transport links to the town will only waste money if there aren't any shops worth visiting.
Daniel Farrow, 40 and of Shelfield, said: "Improving transport links and improving local areas is good and all, but if we haven't got the shops or attractions to see, what's the point?
"If they are going to bring transport links to the area, they should bring back the market, do regular free family events at the arboretum - like fayres - and clean the place up."
