Shoppers in Bulwell have labelled the area a "ghost town" after another major clothing store is believed to have closed its doors for good. Hobsons, a popular shop in the town centre, is thought to be the latest in a string of major stores in Bulwell to close down - and the news has caused uproar.
Last week pharmaceutical giant Boots decided to shut down their branch in Bulwell, leading to concern for what the future of the town could look like. Now, locals have said they believe the area needs an "injection of money" with Bulwell running the risk of becoming a "ghost town."
Stewart Pates, 66, who lives nearby, said: "Yes it's a worrying time for Bulwell - there are too many charity shops nowadays I think. It's just become run down and it's in serious need of an injection of money into it.
"That's something I've thought for a while. It really is becoming a ghost town.
"With an injection of money we could get more people into the market place because that's what it needs. I've lived here all my life and now a lot of what you see is not a lot of life and shops with the shutters down."
Janet Hodson, 53, who lives in Ragdale Road, said: "It's not a good look for the high street at all really. There are a few too many places closing down over the last few years for my liking.
"I didn't shop in there much and to be honest I usually head into the city to do mine now. I don't think that a lot of people do as much shopping on the high street anymore.
"It's not so busy round here as it used to be. A lot of it's done online too now you've got to remember.
"But no it's not great for Bulwell."
Another large national brand, Argos, closed its store off Holborn Place, Bulwell, in 2020. A number of independent businesses, like Budget Wise in Commercial Road which shut earlier this year, have now also left behind shuttered shops.
Gregg Marrow, 51, said: "I've always enjoyed heading in here and I never really tended to agree that it was going downhill at all. But with the recent Boots closure and some other places closing down it does feel like we're losing a bit too much.
"Look people still come here, but for how much longer if all you see is charity shops and barbers. And I don't even mind having them but we have too many.
"I don't think it needs too much doing to it but a few more big name brands coming in would be a welcome sight."
Residents online were equally taken aback by the news, with some taking to Facebook to express their concern. One user wrote: "Aww that's a shame I go there sometimes."
Another worried shopper said: "There will be nothing left in Bulwell before long." One person said: "Oh no l have had lots of lovely clothes from there. Sad day for Bulwell if that closes."
Nottinghamshire Live made several attempts to contact Hobsons and also visited the store.
