Two stores set to shut in a shopping centre have sparked rumours a popular retailer may be coming to the town.
Homeland Furniture and Mooch in Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, have started a closing-down sale.
Homeland takes up the unit formerly home to BHS – which shut in August 2016.
It is located on Calverley Road, but can also be accessed via the lower mall in the centre, where it sits between Eat Italiano and O2.
A picture of a closing down sale sign at the front of the store was posted on a local Facebook group, which sparked rumours of what would take its place.
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Many shoppers were claiming that Primark has always been destined for the town, but had to wait until the current lease was up.
Others suggested a H&M, Zara or Matalan should go in the unit.
One person said: “Primark has been rumoured for years, but before now would never have happened as when it was privately owned they wanted ‘higher’ class shops.
“Which is ridiculous as Primark would bring so much footfall!
“Now I understand the council owns it and two cheaper shops have already popped up so I believe they would love a Primark.
“It will really help the centre and one of the only shops that could fill the space.”
Another added: “I’m not a fan of Primark and was so against the idea of one moving into Tunbridge Wells, but over the past few years we’ve had this awful tat shop, pound shops and low-end fast food outlets move in so now I personally have accepted the inevitable.
“We have to get footfall back in Tunbridge Wells and if Primark can do that then so be it.
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“I hate to see the town with boarded up shops and big gaps where we had shoe and clothing shops.”
In February, the global fashion brand announced it had plans to open five new stores.
These included Bury St. Edmunds, Teesside Park and Glasgow Fort, with two additional branches in Epsom and Newbury for 2025.
A spokeswoman from the retailer said: “We love to hear that people would like to have a Primark store near them.
“As a growing business, we’re always looking for new opportunities for store locations, however, we can’t comment on speculation about where we might open next.”
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TMBC) says the building is not part of Royal Victoria Place and would not comment.
In September, the local authority decided to purchase the shopping complex outright.
A spokesman at the time said: “The council has owned the freehold of the centre since it was built and believes it is uniquely placed to secure its future and its contribution to the town centre.
“The council is committed to ensuring that Royal Victoria Place continues to play a strong role in maintaining the attractiveness of the town for residents, employers and visitors alike.
“We have had a number of exciting conversations with prospective tenants – retailers, leisure operators, food and beverage providers and community groups and, working with experts in the field we are confident that we can increase both footfall and occupancy within the centre.”
Mooch, located on the upper mall, has also started a closing-down sale.
It sells a range of greeting cards and gift wrap, as well as home décor, candles and stationery.
A sign says the store will shut on Saturday, June 22 and all stock will have up to 50% off.
Despite this, shoppers recently welcomed the Scandinavian brand Søstrene Grene.
The Danish homeware and lifestyle company decided to open its first branch in Kent inside the shopping centre.
It aims to launch 50 stores across the UK within the next three to four years.
Located next to Fenwick on the upper floor, the new branch opened its doors last Friday (June 14).