Toy shop to replace Poundland in Chichester

Work is already underway to bring in The Entertainer into East Street after the closure of Poundland was confirmed on Tuesday, April 23.

Head of property at The Entertainer, Andrew Milner-Walker said: “We are delighted to bring The Entertainer to Chichester and have found a great location in the centre.

“Working together with the landlord we look forward to delivering a great new toy shop in West Sussex.”

A spokesman for The Entertainer said it is too 'early to confirm anything in stone' but expects the store to offer nine jobs.

It added: "[The] opening is currently scheduled to be mid-September but is subject to change.

"Opening hours will be in line with the shopping centre. We will be closed on Sundays."

When approached for a comment on plans for the site, commercial agent Robinson Webster, acting on behalf of the landlord, said: "The landlord will be down there to do some work and bring it into shape.

"It is a six to eight week programme, and the work is already underway."

Readers react

Hundreds of people have commented on our Facebook page, with many expressing their sadness at the loss of another store in the city centre.

Cynthia Ridgway wrote: “Poundland was always busy [and] nice for the people who are unable to shop in the more expensive places. Hope it will relocate in the city.”Karen Elizabeth Fenton, among many others, feared that Chichester will ‘become a ghost town soon’.

City councillor Sarah Sharp commented: “This certainly served so many people and was usually full of people. Good that the staff might be able to move to other stores but lots of people will miss Poundland.”

Dawn Penney wrote: “This is not due to online shopping, must be the rents. So sad. So many shops in Chichester have closed within two years.”

Keeley Pinnegar said: “It won’t be long before the town is filled with only restaurants and coffee shops.”

Iain McKelvie wrote: “If Poundland is closing, trade in the town must be rock-bottom.”

Kirsten Becque said the pending closure is ‘ridiculous’. She added: “I love Chichester but I agree something needs to be done.”

Tom Steeden wrote: "This shop was amazing and cheap prices. I don't know why they would close this shop down for a toy shop all though there is enough... why do we need another?"

On the other hand, Charlotte Dawson said it was ‘great news’. [Before news broke that The Entertainer would be replacing the store], she added: “Put something decent there instead. Let’s have a Mango or Zara.”

Claire Rowland shared a similar stance. She said: “Am I the only person that this actually makes happy?”

Steve Wernham also remained positive.

He said: “Things are certainly looking good and on the up for East Street with The Entertainer and Co-op opening soon. Just need something to happen in West Street.”

What do you make of the latest news? Let us know on our Facebook page.