THE collapse of clothing retailer Principles could lead to the first ever vacancy at Bournemouth’s Castlepoint shopping centre.

It looks likely that the clothing chain’s 90 stand-alone stores will close after Debenhams stepped in to buy only the brand name and stock.

That decision could result in thousands of job losses across the country – and an unexpected vacancy at Castlepoint.

Since opening in 2003, the shopping park has seen shops bought out by other firms but has never lost a retailer.

Centre manager Peter Matthews said: “Potentially yes, we could have our first vacancy if Principles closes, but my understanding is that we have got a waiting list of stores wanting to open a branch here.”

Principles was owned by Mosaic, which was placed into administration earlier this week in a rescue package agreed with its main creditor, Icelandic bank Kaupthing.

The pre-pack administration deal saw the majority of Mosaic’s other brands, including Karen Millen, Oasis and Warehouse, sold to Kaupthing.

This left the Shoe Studio and Principles. Several bidders were rumoured to be interested in Principles, including co-founder Peter Davies. But a lack of time thwarted his bid and yesterday it was revealed that Debenhams had agreed to buy the Principles’ name and stock.

This will keep the Principles’ concessions going, but not the individual stores.