SHOPPERS in Winchester have revealed the shops they would most like to see open on the high street.
From more than 70 comments on the Hampshire Chronicle’s Facebook page, it seems Winchester locals want the same thing.
Bargain retailers such as B&M, Savers, Wilko and Home Bargains were common suggestions.
But Woolworths took the top spot, with 10 people making the same suggestion so far.
Woolworths left Winchester high street in January 1989 before the chain went into administration in 2008.
But it appears people are missing their bargain buys and the much loved Winchester pick ‘n’ mix.
Commenting on Facebook Nigel Turnbull said: “Every low-cost shop like Woolworths once were… Something that equally attracts people from other places, which helps the local economy”.
Giles Broomfield said: “Something that doesn’t sell mobile phones or coffee or is bank or building society- that’s most of Winchester High Street. Could do with a B&M, a Home Bargains and a Wilkos would be good.”
Meanwhile others seemed to be more nostalgic and keener to bring back the more traditional high street of independent businesses like a butcher, fishmonger and a greengrocers.
Margaret Nugent said on Facebook: “Home Bargains, B&M, greengrocer, butcher, fresh fish shop. General high street stores like we used to have.”
Patricia Bowyer commented: “Butchers, bakers, greengrocery, fish shop, general shop confectioners, local newspaper, sweet shop and local shops and cafes.”
Other suggestions included The Range, Zara, H&M, a men only clothing store and also making a popular feature was Debenhams. The Winchester Debenhams branch closed just last year when the national chain collapsed.
The old Debenhams building, owned by Surrey County Council, still remains vacant.
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