All options are being considered for the future of a Birkenhead shopping centre after its last trader announced its closure. Wynsors, located at the town's Europa Centre, is holding a closing down sale ahead of its final day.
While stocks last, the brand is offering up to 30% off its items. The family footwear retailer, which began as Wynsors World of Shoes, was founded in 1956. It operates dozens of physical stores, primarily across the North of England, and an online shop, selling budget and branded shoes, trainers and school wear.
Wynsors closure details
After its Birkenhead site closes, Wynsors will still have a presence elsewhere in Merseyside, including Knotty Ash, St Helens and further afield in Warrington. It is understood 17 Wynsors stores are set to shut for good - the exact date has yet to be confirmed but it is expected to be in September.
In a statement shared by the company to Crewe Nub News, Wynsors said: "It's with sadness that we announce that certain Wynsors stores will be closing their doors. We'd like to say a huge thank you to all of our customers who have shopped with us and supported the store over the years. Your support has meant so much to the whole team."
Europa Centre's empty units
Following the closure, there will be no shops left at Europa Centre. The centre is located just outside the main retail area in Birkenhead Shopping Centre and was acquired by the council back in March 2018.
The building was substantially constructed around 1997, comprising ground-floor retail and leisure on the first floor. The total floor space comprises nearly 98,000sq/ft. When the council acquired the property, four of the five units were let. Now, none of them remains with Poundstretcher, Pet Hut, Wilko, and Mecca Bingo, having closed their doors in the last few years.
The ECHO asked Wirral Council about the building's future on several occasions. A spokesperson eventually confirmed: "We continue to consider all options for this building."
Previous closures at the centre
The Wilko store at the Europa Centre in Birkenhead permanently closed its doors on October 8, 2023. It was among the final wave of closures across the UK after the retail chain collapsed into administration.
Whereas, more recently, Mecca Bingo closed its Birkenhead site, alongside its St Helens location, as neither site has been "commercially viable for some time". The venue was due to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, but its final day of trading came on June 7. At the time, a statement issued to the ECHO said: "It is with a heavy heart that we are proposing the closure of our Birkenhead and St Helens clubs on Sunday, June 7. The leases at both venues are due to end shortly and neither site has been commercially viable for some time."
"At Birkenhead, we have been faced with considerable challenges as a result of the redevelopment of the town centre and car park. When combined with the significant repairs and maintenance requirements of both clubs, it makes it increasingly difficult for them to remain in operation. We are currently in consultation with our colleagues and will advise our teams and our customers once a final outcome is reached."
