The closure of a maternity wear and baby clothing store in the city centre has led to calls on what shoppers would like to see replace it. JoJo Maman Bébé, in The Poultry, is being marketed by property consultants as 'to let' since it shut in October.
The store was a one-stop shop for parents, selling sold maternity wear, baby and children's clothes, toys, nursery equipment and everything you needed for a new arrival. It was also a welcome pit-stop for families since it had baby changing facilities and toilets.
People in the city centre said it was unsurprising another retailer had closed but gave their suggestions on what they think would be ideal to open in the space.
Read more: Nottinghamshire 'chocolate box' village ranked one of poshest in UK
West Bridgford resident Francis Morley, who is 34 years old and works in marketing, said: “It’s quite a big unit, I would say whatever it is it will be somewhere to dine or another clothes shop. One of my friends is always talking about a more central school uniform shop and how handy that would be to so many parents so that could be an idea.”
Retired Pauline Watson, 52, said: “It’s a shame it’s closed down, not that I used the shop or anything but I’m sure it came in handy to many mothers. We need places like this [JoJo Maman Bébé] and Mothercare.”
The Arnold resident added: “I’d like to see a shoe shop, there’s Clarks of course and other shoe shops like Dr. Martens but they can be expensive and people will always need shoes.”
Retired Dean Cliffton, who is 67 and from Toton, said: “It’s unsurprising - not just in town but there’s so many places that have so many empty units.
"Whether it’s because retail isn’t great or places can’t keep up with high rents, a lot of places are shutting down. Come into town 20 years ago, it would be a big shock if one or two shops closed down now, it's the norm.
"I don’t know what I’d like to see this turn into; it could be anything, I assume it would be another clothes shop.”
JoJo Maman Bébé has a network of 70-plus shops across the UK. The company has one store remaining in Nottinghamshire, but the West Bridgford branch in Tudor Square only stocks children's clothing. The exact reasons for the closure of the city centre shop remain unclear.
It comes after a business expert said more affordable housing would be a good use of space in Nottinghamshire's town and city centres as the economic uncertainty continues into the new year.
READ NEXT:
