AN HISTORIC Hull street that was once the heart of the city's retail circuit is set to be blighted by another boarded-up shop.
WHSmith, in Whitefriargate, has announced it will close its doors on Friday, May 3.
The company, which has displayed signs in its window thanking people for their custom and apologising for "any inconvenience", told the Mail the street was no longer a viable location for its retail operations.
However, it confirmed it would continue trading in the city via stores in the Prospect Shopping Centre and Paragon Interchange, as well as Kingswood Retail Park and outside Hull Royal Infirmary.
A spokesman for the retailer said: "Unfortunately, we are unable to continue to trade viably from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store at this time because of the forthcoming lease expiry.
"We remain committed to serving the local community in Hull through our stores in the Prospect Shopping Centre and Kingswood Retail Park, as well as at the rail station and Hull Royal Infirmary."
There are currently nine empty retail units in Whitefriargate, all of which are on the side of the street owned by Trinity Brethren.
Once WHSmith closes its doors, it will mean almost 40 per cent of that strip of units are vacant – more than twice the national average of 17 per cent.
The most recent figures from the Local Data Company show 21.4 per cent of shops in Hull city centre are vacant.
However Nick Hood, head of external affairs at Company Watch, said WHSmith's departure from Whitefriargate said more about the fortunes of the retailer than the Hull street.
He said: "WHSmith is one of the great challenges of the high street as, from a financial and turnover point of view, it is a great success story, but from a retail pundit perspective, it is a complete disaster because everybody hates the shops and what they have become.
"Essentially, there are two parts to the business; a very successful travel business and a somewhat less successful retail business.
"Clearly, this store is in the wrong place but with five stores already in the city, it is no surprise it has taken the decision to close – particularly as the lease is coming to end."
Mr Hood said he felt concentrating on the closure of high street chains ignored the fact that independents were doing well while nationally, retail chains were struggling.
He said: "WHSmith is already operating in three very competitive markets and you have to ask yourself how much stores like this are committed to merchandising.
"I think independent retailers are the future of the high street and these can be seen in Whitefriargate."
Readers can pick up copies of the Mail at the following outlets in and around Whitefriargate: Chakib News, 10 Alfred Gelder Street; Superdrug, 65-66 Whitefriargate; M&S, 40 Whitefriargate; and Quay News, Unit 22, Princes Quay.
• Picture gallery: Whitefriargate down the years
