ONE of Bournemouth's most famous retail brands is returning to the town centre - and Daily Echo readers have expressed their thoughts on the news.

Earlier today it was announced that Bobby's department store is making a comeback to its former home in the Debenhams building nearly half a century after it disappeared.

The store will include Bobby’s Beauty Hall, a traditional ice cream and coffee parlour, art gallery, and a dog café in the Lower Gardens, along with a Sushi and plant-based Poke Bowl Bar, nail bar, treatment rooms and female and male grooming, amongst much more.

Bournemouth Echo: The roof terrace bar at Bobby'sThe roof terrace bar at Bobby's

Readers have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the exciting news.

Here is what some of them had to say.

On Facebook, one reader said: "Wow sounds great. It's been a while since we last went shopping in Bournemouth, at least two years, and this has certainly renewed our interest. I'm looking forward to seeing the results."

One commenter said: "Fantastic news to see the name return."

A Twitter user hopes that the plans in place for the store will be successful. 

They said: "I’m absolutely thrilled with the plans for the new Bobby’s. Exactly what Bournemouth needed. I hope the regenerative plans are successful."

One reader expressed their excitement at the news and described it as a "positive story" for the town. 

The reader said: "I’m really looking forward to this. The middle of Bournemouth had lost its way. It’s an iconic building and to see it have new life breathed into it so quickly is a very positive story for the town."

However, concerns have also been raised. 

A Twitter user said: "Can the council keep business rates low enough to allow businesses to return, or will their greed overtake them and quickly force sky-high prices, making the project (and any other city centre businesses) vanish?"

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One reader is concerned about whether the store will reach its target audience.

They said: "If they 'do a Beales' and start catering for the local Old Codger brigade by selling check shirts and floral bedsheets, the place will be shut within a year.

"This demographic is steadily diminishing by the day and many of those that are left don't come into the town centre - if what you read on here is anything to go by.

"Alternatively, the younger end of the scale aren't too bothered about £40 shirts when they can bag similar up the street for £10 at Primark."

Bournemouth Echo: Bobby's returns to Bournemouth Bobby's returns to Bournemouth

Despite concerns raised, the overall consensus seems to be that the reintroduction of Bobby's will be a positive boost for Bournemouth.

One reader said: "Brilliant news and a massive, welcomed investment into a desperate town centre! Bravo to all concerned and the very best of British in your achievements."

Another reader commented: "Thank goodness for that! At last someone with a little vision instead of the usual money-obsessed developers. I have lovely memories of that beautiful building."

What do you think about the news? Has a good decision been made?