Store to quit prime city location

The loss of a major chain store from one of the prime shopping locations in Leicester is not a cause for concern, business leaders have said.

Habitat has confirmed it will close its store on High Street, near the Highcross shopping centre, on 4 May.

The furnishing and decor store said it had taken the decision following a review and would try to redeploy staff.

But the chamber of commerce said that while disappointed, it was confident the space would soon be filled.

Tough competition

The High Street area was repaved and renovated ahead of the centre's opening in September last year.

Dermot Breen, chairman of the City Centre Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, said it was a blow, but not a serious one.

"It is a shame to lose a big name store like this, but it is an excellent high-profile location and we anticipate a big name chain moving in there in the near future," he said.

"Habitat is facing lots of competition and there are other shops in Leicester, like John Lewis, which will appeal to the same sort of shopper."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version