The closure of Debenhams in Milton Keynes could 'draw people to Bedford', according to a Bedford Town Centre Champion.
MKFM revealed on Tuesday that the Debenhams store at intu Milton Keynes will be closing permanently after the retailer was unable to agree new terms with the landlord.
Since then, we've been speculating about what could replace Debenhams in the massive unit at the Milton Keynes shopping centre.
But now a Bedford Town Centre Champion has said that their town could massively benefit as a result of the closure in Milton Keynes.
Helen Patterson has been speaking to Bedford local news website The Bedford Independent about the news.
She said that the loss of Debenhams in Milton Keynes is "bound to be a heavy blow" for Milton Keynes following the closure of House Of Fraser in the city earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Debenhams will be retaining their store in Bedford - as the only remaining department store in the town.
She told The Bedford Independent: “If Debenhams can improve their brand and product mix at the Bedford store, and keep their lift in working order, they could really benefit from the closure of the Milton Keynes branch."
“Bedford benefits from an eclectic mix of independent shops who will undoubtedly work really hard to ensure they can continue to operate their fantastic businesses whilst adhering to social distancing policy.”
