Big name store to set up shop in Haverfordwest (From Western Telegraph)

Big name store to set up shop in Haverfordwest

9:39am Wednesday 7th November 2012 in News

Yet another big name store plans to set up shop in Haverfordwest with Debenhams confirmed as the latest tenants at Withybush Retail Park.

The popular department store will join Marks & Spencer, Next, Boots, Laura Ashley and Sports Direct when it takes over the former MFI unit.

Retail park manager Prupim has leased a 30,705 square foot unit to Debenhams, which hopes to be open by autumn next year.

There would only be one empty unit remaining although concerns about the future of Comet remain.

Rob Hadfield, director of property at Debenhams, says: “The opportunity for us at Withybush allows us to fulfil an active requirement for representation of not only Haverfordwest but also the wider Pembrokeshire catchment. The store will hopefully open in autumn 2013.”

Rumours that Debenhams were coming to Haverfordwest were denied earlier this year by the company when contacted by the Western Telegraph.

Local county councillor Mark Edwards said he was "delighted" and said it was "fantastic news".

"If we're going to compete with Carmarthen we have got to get these stores in. I think it's another notch, another big name and we can build on that.

"It's really great that they want to come to Haverfordwest. We can't just be stuck where we are because it's not working, we need to look at other options," he said.

Stephen Gwilliam, asset management director at Prupim, said: “We are pleased to welcome Debenhams to Withybush as a significant anchor occupier alongside strong retailers including Marks & Spencer and Next. This provides a good opportunity for leasing the final unit to a strong fashion brand.”