Stafford shops closing - Turning into a ghost town?

kyoto49

kyoto49

Well-Known Forumite
daz100 said:
Matalan is moving from Queens to the old PC World in May.
The Matalan on Queens is being split into 2 units and I assume will get the facelift like the other units?
Click to expand...

Very positive to see a store move closer to town, and within walking distance of the new town centre.
 
HopesDad

HopesDad

Don't feed the troll
Another nail in Stone's coffin.
Wormella said:
More info from Stone Independent Traders facebook page

17022346_733828963442803_5485142559740868010_n.jpg
Click to expand...
 
HopesDad

HopesDad

Don't feed the troll
daz100 said:
Matalan is moving from Queens to the old PC World in May.
The Matalan on Queens is being split into 2 units and I assume will get the facelift like the other units?
Click to expand...
The old PC World is a lot smaller than the existing Matalan double unit. And the PC World site is a lot less accessible - too far to walk from the main town, and less attractive to drivers due to it having very little parking space compared to Queensville. Also, no significant supporting shops nearby, other than TK Max which presumably attracts some people. The bathroom shop is hardly a major draw.

Definitely a backward step for Matalan I would say. Bit like when Dunelm Mill moved from Queensville to the wilderness of the old MFI, sandwiched between the cheapie frozen food place and the tat emporium that is the Range.
 
Mikinton

Mikinton

Well-Known Forumite
HopesDad said:
Definitely a backward step for Matalan I would say. Bit like when Dunelm Mill moved from Queensville to the wilderness of the old MFI, sandwiched between the cheapie frozen food place and the tat emporium that is the Range.
Click to expand...
I thought it was quite a good move, actually. Next door to TK Maxx, and a short walk from M&S, Outfit, Primark, River Island and H&M.

I take your point about it being smaller (and about Dunelm). I just wonder if there are plans for an upstairs, like TK Maxx.
 
C

cj1

Well-Known Forumite
HopesDad said:
The old PC World is a lot smaller than the existing Matalan double unit.
Click to expand...
bare in mind for the last few years PCWorld had blocked off over half their store as they were selling a much smaller range than when they first moved in also they could install a mezzanine floor which will increase floor space. let's wait and see
 
Wormella

Wormella

Well-Known Forumite
I suspect Matalan will put a Mezzanine in if they move to The Green., it would be silly not to, and if you can get a better location and a better appointed store then the very long, and often very quiet current store that makes a lot of sense. The Currys / PC world has also benefited from a Mezzanine there and I'd suggest now has more retail space then the old unit, but with an expanded range of lines, if not a decent selection within them (We were microwave shopping earlier and they were very expensive compared to supermarkets - but it remains to only place in Stafford you can physically look at a Fridge or Washing Machine before you buy it)

(I'm not sure why I'm bothering to argue about this) but I'd also say Dunelm is a lot busier having moved to GreyFriers - and as a bonus the ceiling appears to leak less. The cafe is also very busy and does an excellent range of cakes - It's nice to see strong offering on retail parks within walking distance of the town centre (I certainly don't hesitate to walk to the Range or to Queens from home). I just wish they'd sort out the mess that is Kingsmead.

Splitting that very long unit on Queens into 2 also makes much more sense. The current Matalan is a big ol' unit that often feels very jumbled, messy and unloved.
 
G

Gareth

Well-Known Forumite
The Tavern in town (opposite RBS) has planning submitted for restaurant ground floor, living quarters up stair and proposed extension at the back.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top