Reprieve for Stead & Simpson

There’s some rare good news for the Welshpool High Street, after Stead & Simpson made a u-turn on its earlier decision to close, but two shops have called it quits on Church Street.

We reported in October that the national shoe retailer had decided to end its long association with the town, citing expensive rents and a drop in footfall.

But the closing down banners have been replaced by a Christmas sale, bringing some Christmas cheer for shoppers.

A spokesperson for the shop’s mother company, Shoe Zone Ltd, said: “We are pleased to confirm that Shoe Zone Ltd have negotiated a deal with the landlord on the store in Welshpool which will now not close but remain open.”

Meanwhile on Church Street, the closing down sale signs have gone up on clothing retailer Red and across the road, Border Mobility has already closed, with a sign thanking customers for their support over the last eight years.