Argos Envy? (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Argos Envy?

9:48am Monday 8th March 2010

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After a year of waiting the vacant Leytonstone Woolworths has a new tenant. It’s Argos. And would you believe many of my friends are jealous?

Personally I would have preferred a Pizza Express, Marks & Spencer, or another quality chain that we don’t yet have in the south of the borough. However, Argos also fits that description – it might not be a top-class attraction for the area, but everyone goes to Argos at some point, don’t they? I drive to Tottenham or Stratford to visit Argos a few times a year – and now I have a reason to stay at home and spend my money in my local High Street.

Just over a year ago, Woolworths held its closing down sale. I bought a large umbrella for just pennies, while others scavenged bargain DVDs and Dr Who collectables. Then the shop was closed and left in stasis.

The owners – Waltham Forest Council – didn’t let the shop rot, but opened it up for community events such as the three weeks of Leytonstone Arts Trail, and later Car-Free Day and then a dance event. Whatever happened to the ex-Woollies, we knew the council were taking an active role in its future.

At first, rumours spread that it might be taken over by Sainsburys Local. Then we were told that it was too close to Tesco for them to be interested. Yet the Woolworths store in Penarth was taken over by Sainsburys – located next door to a Co-Op, just down the road from Spar, and two minutes’ walk from Tesco! However I hear that the store didn’t turn out to be very good, and so my friend in Wales is disappointed. Maybe Sainsburys wouldn’t have been a success after all.

Then, rumours said that the council had been approached by first Wilkinson, and then a pound store, but they were holding out for something more upmarket. However in north Finchley, Woollies was indeed replaced by Poundland. My friend in that somewhat posh area is jealous of our prospective Argos!

So I suppose the type of store that replaces Woolworths is a matter of subjectivity. I hear that in Crouch End they got a new Waitrose, something I would love to see in Waltham Forest. However after all the rumours of pound stores, I am glad to see that the building will be occupied by a shop that I – and I suspect most readers – will visit, even if we don’t want to admit to it!

Let’s face it, the shop has stood empty for a year now, and it will be a relief to see such a central town centre store reopen. At least we will have a stable national name in our high street. I just hope this is the start of Leytonstone’s recovery and regeneration.

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