Calls for a new Primark store in a Merseyside town have gone on for a while now.
Many shoppers believe the introduction of the popular discount clothes store could be the key to bringing some life back to St Helens town centre. Last week the ECHO spoke to shoppers for their views on what could "save" the town centre, with Primark being one of the most popular suggestions.
Andrea Jones said: "Definitely needs a Primark! Would save a trip to Warrington. Would much rather have one down the road."
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While Debs Meara added: "There's two big empty stores at side of each other in town. They could be a good sized Primark. It would bring most St Helens people back. They would pay for car parks to go in. Then other stores would benefit from more people shopping. Primark has some good quality items. I've bought items from expensive stores in past. And it's not always the best quality."
Following this, we spoke to Primark directly about the possibility of, and if there were any plans to open a Primark in St Helens. The retail giant confirmed they are "always looking to expand", but were unable to comment specifically on St Helens.
A Primark spokesperson said: "We continually review opportunities for expansion of the Primark business however, as you'd expect, we don't comment on speculation about where or when we might open our next stores.”
The ECHO also looked into the possibility of a Primark in another " forgotten" north west town, Skelmersdale, following similar requests. People said they have to travel to places such as Wigan, Liverpool and Southport for places such as Primark.
It is a similar story to that in St Helens, whereby the shoppers feel as though there is little to choose from, and hold out hopes for a large retailer to bring footfall into the town. However, Primark were also unable to comment on this speculation.
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