Wynsors, the family footwear retailer, is closing its Birkenhead store at the Europa Centre with a closing down sale offering up to 30% off items while stocks last.
The brand, founded in 1956 as Wynsors World of Shoes, operates dozens of physical stores primarily across the North of England, as well as an online shop selling budget and branded shoes, trainers and school wear.
17 stores closing
After the Birkenhead site closes, Wynsors will still have a presence elsewhere in Merseyside, including Knotty Ash, St Helens and Warrington. The ECHO reached out to Wynsors for further comment. It is understood that 17 Wynsors stores are set to shut for good.
This includes branches in Leeds, Sheffield, Wakefield, Fleetwood, Burnley, Oldham, Salford, Bury, Rochdale, Hanley, Birkenhead, Bootle, Bacup, Bolton, Gateshead and Sunderland.
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 and Birkenhead losses
The Europa Centre is located just outside the main retail area in Birkenhead Shopping Centre and was acquired by the council in March 2018. The building was substantially constructed around 1997, comprising ground-floor retail and leisure on the first floor. The total floor space is nearly 98,000sq/ft. When the council acquired the property, four of the five units were let.
The closure is another blow to Birkenhead. Since 2023, the Europa Centre and surrounding area have lost a list of major names including Wilko, Vue Cinema and Mecca Bingo. The ECHO understands only one unit in Europa Centre will remain in use following the closure of Wynsors.
Mecca Bingo closure
The ECHO previously reported how Mecca Bingo closed its Birkenhead site, alongside its St Helens location, as neither site has been "commercially viable for some time." Mecca began its history in May 1961 when it opened its first bingo hall in Rose Hill, London. Today, it is the largest national bingo game operator in the UK and also operates as a website and app.
The Mecca Bingo brand is run by Rank Group which operates 49 bingo venues across the UK. Mecca Bingo in Birkenhead 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."
