Tunbridge Wells Lacking in choice

By tun_mum at 19:28 on 09/02/10

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Is there anywhere in Tunbridge Wells - and I mean IN - not out on the industrial estate in the gargantuan Toys R Us - where you can buy a simple jigsaw for a small child? It seems since Gamleys, Duncans and Woolworths has gone, there is nowhere to make such a simple purchase. Fenwicks toy dept stock none. ELC the same. Mothercare the same. there was one on the shelves of WHSmith. So it would seem since I've bought that, Tunbridge Wells is now all out of stock. What happened to this town, where there used to be choice and good independent stores, or even good large chains - the Mothercare is shockingly small and badly stocked. For a major shopping centre it seems a travesty. Similarly, there is Waterstones. And WHSmiths. One and the same. Leaving disappointed shoppers with little or no choice.

By tun_mum at 19:28 on 09/02/10
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And we have the most pathetic excuse for an M&S! Children's department, what children's department? Have heard rumours that a new M&S is going to be built OUT on the industrial estate...!

By AGidney at 20:30 on 09/02/10
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Dear tun-mum, I saw your posting regarding the lack of choice in the high street stores. I run my own small business selling Usborne childrens books and would be really happy to help you with your search. I sell a range of jigsaws, jigsaw puzzle books and activity books from ages zero to early teens. Please contact me on 01732 780648 if you would like some help.

By nsamels at 13:25 on 15/02/10
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Alex - there is a new M&S being built on the industrial estate (between Macdonalds and the Sorting Office) but it is going to be food and home only, I understand. I'm just wondering what the traffic will be like around there when that whole complex is finished. It can be a nightmare already.

By JulesP26 at 20:39 on 17/02/10
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Indies are closing down because people don't shop there and they can't survive. It's the same all over the UK.

Have you tried one great remaining indie, the Childrens Salon?

By Just Dresses Ltd at 21:49 on 17/02/10
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Independent shops are not in the shopping centre where they can't afford the rent.

Have you tried the High Street where there are some great shops such as the Childrens Salon and Zebra Cards?

By Just Dresses Ltd at 21:50 on 17/02/10
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Zebra Cards is great, and exactly what the high street needs more of - affordable and useful shops. I also love the Children's Salon but you have to take out a small loan in order to afford anything in there!

By AGidney at 16:00 on 18/02/10
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