TRADERS have expressed their fears over the future after hearing Lidl will be closing its store in Bournemouth town centre.
The announcement that Lidl will be closing in Richmond Gardens Shopping Centre is said to have left some shop owners unsettled.
The low-cost food retailer is the second major chain to depart the shopping complex, after neighbouring store Wilko shut its doors in February.
Suna, who owns a tailor shop in the centre, said: “It’s awful. I’m speechless. I don’t know what to do and I don’t know what it'll mean for us.”
The news was quick to spread around the centre after it was reportedly shared with Lidl staff in a meeting on Sunday, August 21.
Read more: Lidl to close in Bournemouth town centre
Suna said: “I haven’t been able to think straight since we heard.
"It’s scary. Wilko going affected us a lot; it was very handy and helpful for us with the footfall.
"We just can’t think positively about any of it really. The town is completely different now."
Another shop owner, who didn’t want to be named, said: “It’s horrible for the traders. Absolutely horrible. I don’t understand why the landlords don’t put down the rent.
"It’s one thing after another. I’ll be leaving.”
Lidl do not intend to renew the lease for the store – which expires on October 27- with the last day of trading believed to be earlier that month.
Read more: Shop owners want B&M or Home Bargains to open in Bournemouth shopping centre
But it is not yet clear if they will be seeking alternative premises in the town centre, according to Martin Davies, chair of Bournemouth Town Centre BID.
Martin added: “The debate around the future of the retail sector in Bournemouth is tied up with a number of key strategic issues including parking policy, the town centre environment and the future of transport services.
“There is also the hugely important move towards more town centre living, in my view a central factor in the revitalisation and renewal of town and city centres.
“Town centre living will provide significant opportunities for service driven retail, especially in the food sector.
“But this will only happen if those with the relevant authority and responsibility for delivering on these key strategic issues act swiftly to ensure that any obstacles are speedily, efficiently and flexibly overcome."
Lidl's departure leaves just one main food store in the town centre, Tesco Express, in Bournemouth Square.
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