Wilko has said it has "no current plans" to close its store in Stroud despite the redevelopment of Merrywalks.
The shop's reassurance comes after a reader contacted the SNJ concerned about a map showing a rebuilt Merrywalks which did not contain Wilko.
But the map, which in fact does not show any of the shopping centre's existing tenants, has been described as "speculative discussion tool" by Merrywalks's new owner.
Next, M&S Simply Food, H&M all feature in the map, but Wilko, Home Bargains and Poundland are among the stores that do not.
The concerned reader told the SNJ: "Even if [the map] is only meant to indicate the calibre of prospective tenants, it seems to me an act of deplorable and cavalier bad faith to eliminate all the existing, rather more downmarket occupiers."
When asked about the map, a spokesperson from Dransfield Properties, which is redeveloping the shopping centre - and changing its name to Five Valleys - for £12 million, said: "We have no plans at this stage to announce any changes to the line-up at Merrywalks."
A spokesperson from Wilko said; “We love serving all our hard working families in Stroud and intend to be able to bring our great range of Wilko products to them for many years to come.
"We’re aware of the plans to redevelop the centre and are working with the new landlords to ensure we provide the best format store for our customers and staff.”
The SNJ is seeking comment from other stores.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel