They will be followed four days later by Crew Clothing on the High Street.
The news comes just one week since the quintessential Middle England clothing and homeware retailer Cath Kidston decided to leave the Royal Victoria Place [RVP] shopping centre.
Shoppers had already reacted with dismay at the loss of Cath Kidston and the new departures will add to fears that Tunbridge Wells is heading into a cycle of decline, an impression the borough council has moved quickly to correct.
Cllr Tracy Moore, Economic Development & Communication portfolio holder, said yesterday [Tuesday]: “Retail organisations are finding the economic climate challenging and as a result the retail face of town centres is changing, and this isn’t unique to Royal Tunbridge Wells.
“Studies show that town centres are becoming different places, they’re no longer just about shopping, leisure and culture are increasingly important.
“The council is very mindful of all this. By investing in culture, through the Amelia Scott [cultural hub] and the Calverley Square projects, and supporting RTWT’s [Royal Tunbridge Wells Together] proposal for a Business Improvement District, this Council is being proactive to help ensure we remain a vibrant, destination town.
“And, we shouldn’t forget that together with the private sector, there is around half a billion pounds being invested in our town over the next few years. These investments are a declaration of confidence in the future of Royal Tunbridge Wells.”
A spokesperson for New Look told the Times: “I can confirm Tunbridge Wells, Calverley Road store is surrendering on September 14, last day of trade is September 5.”
A member of staff at Crew Clothing confirmed the date of closure for the High Street shop will be September 9.
However, despite customers being given just a few days’ notice of the closure, it appears the writing was on the wall for Cath Kidston a year ago.
It has also emerged it has no plans of coming back. Cath Kidston’s decision to vacate its High Street premises and instead relocate to the RVP was in fact part of an ongoing disengagement from the town.
A spokesperson for the rapidly growing company explained: “Our Tunbridge Wells
pop-up store in Royal Victoria Place was always planned to be open for one year and our lease has now ended.
“Although we have enjoyed our time in the shopping centre, we are not currently looking to open a permanent store in Tunbridge Wells.”
RVP changed owners earlier this year from Hermes to developer British Land, who took it on in a deal worth £96million.
A spokesman from British Land said: “We are still very excited about the opportunity and are feeling positive about the town.”
