Beloved clothes store that 'should never have left' returns to Birmingham shopping centre
The return of a popular clothes store to a Birmingham shopping centre has been greeted with joy by customers set for a blast from the past. Bonmarche is coming back to the Gracechurch Shopping Centre in Sutton Coldfield, occupying a former JD Sports store, though the exact opening date has yet to be confirmed.
The shopping centre announced the news on Instagram, posting "A fantastic new addition to the centre Bonmarche will bring even more choice for our visitors and we cannot wait to welcome them soon." Visit Royal also shared the announcement, commenting "Bonmarche are officially opening in The Gracechurch Centre in the former JD Sports Great news for Sutton Coldfield town centre."
Residents have responded positively to the news. However, some confusion emerged online, with one user admitting they thought the store was already operating at the location. They wrote "This is confusing Bonne Marche was always there surely If you re bringing Sutton back to the standard we expect then pls bring back Evans Monsoon Accesorize and M S." Other respondents quickly clarified that the previous Bonmarche had left the location years earlier.
On Facebook, users expressed their delight at the chain's return. One simply stated it "should never have left in the first place." Another commented "Gracechurch doing a great job filling the units - if people want clothes shops they need to use them," highlighting the broader efforts to revitalise the shopping centre's retail offerings.
The return comes as part of wider attempts to strengthen Gracechurch's presence in the Sutton Coldfield town centre. A third user shared their enthusiasm, writing "Ahh fantastic news made my day It will be my second home It will be great not having to travel to or," expressing relief at having the store back locally.