The impending closure of two stores in a shopping center has sparked rumors that a popular retailer could be coming to town.
Homeland Furniture and Mooch in Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, have launched a clearance sale.
Homeland is taking over the unit that formerly housed BHS, which closed in August 2016.
It is located on Calverley Road but can also be reached via the lower mall in the centre, where it is located between Eat Italiano and O2.
A local Facebook group posted a picture of a clearance sale sign on the front of the store, sparking rumors about what would take its place.
Many buyers claimed that Primark was always destined for the city but had to wait until the current lease expired.
Others suggested that an H&M, Zara or Matalan should come into the unit.
One said: “There have been rumours about Primark for years, but this would never have happened before because when it was privately owned they wanted ‘higher’ class stores.”
“This is ridiculous considering Primark would bring so many customers!
“I now understand that it is owned by the city council and that two cheaper shops have already opened there, so I think they would be happy to have a Primark.
“It will really help the center and be one of the few stores that could fill the space.”
Another added: ‘I’m not a fan of Primark and was totally against the idea of one moving to Tunbridge Wells but over the last few years this awful junk shop, bargain stores and cheap fast food restaurants have moved in and now I’ve personally resigned myself to the inevitable.
“We need to win back footfall in Tunbridge Wells and if Primark can do that, then so be it.
“I hate to see the city with boarded-up shops and big gaps where shoe and clothing stores used to be.”
In February, the global fashion brand announced plans to open five new stores.
These included Bury St. Edmunds, Teesside Park and Glasgow Fort, as well as two further branches in Epsom and Newbury for 2025.
A spokeswoman for the retailer said: “We are delighted that people would like to have a Primark store near them.”
“As a growing company, we are always looking for new opportunities for branch locations. However, we cannot comment on speculation about where we might open next.”
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TMBC) says the building is not part of Royal Victoria Place and does not wish to comment.
In September, the local government decided to purchase the entire shopping center.
A spokesman said at the time: “The city council has been the full owner of the centre since its construction and believes it is in a unique position to secure its future and its contribution to the city centre.”
“The City Council is committed to ensuring that Royal Victoria Place continues to play an important role in maintaining the city’s attractiveness for residents, employers and visitors.
“We have had a number of exciting discussions with potential tenants – retailers, leisure operators, food and drink providers and community groups. By working with experts in this field, we are confident that we can increase both visitor numbers and occupancy of the centre.”
Mooch in the upper shopping center has also started a clearance sale.
It sells a range of greeting cards and wrapping paper as well as home decor, candles and stationery.
A sign indicates that the store will be closed on Saturday, June 22nd and all inventory will be discounted by up to 50%.
Nevertheless, the Scandinavian brand Søstrene Grene has recently become very popular among buyers.
The Danish homeware and lifestyle company decided to open its first store in Kent in the shopping centre.
The aim is to open 50 stores across the UK within the next three to four years.
The new branch is located upstairs next to Fenwick and opened its doors last Friday (June 14).