Two new shops opening in Dorset town

Weymouth BID, trading as We Are Weymouth, confirmed that two new businesses would be setting up shop in the two outlets which they ‘shop-wrapped’ at Christmas.

Both sites are in St Mary Street, with one unnamed business moving into the former Dorothy Perkins store and another into the ex-Ponden Home shop - which is to become an independent fashion store, 'Made in Italy.'

Independent fashion retailer 'Made in Italy' is to open in the former Pondens branch

A spokesman for estate agent Hull Gregson and Hull said people would be ‘pleasantly surprised’ by the state of Weymouth high street despite recent closures including New Look, Monsoon Accessorize, Iceland and Burtons.

They said: “Shop lettings are incredibly positive, it will be good to see fresh life and energy in the town.

“Not many stores will be staying empty, a lot are in discussions with new potential owners.

“It’s more positive than it looks and I think people will be pleasantly surprised, we will do what we can to get stores in.”

A business will be taking over the vacant Dorothy Perkins unit

Hull Gregson & Hull's spokesman added that many of the empty shops that have been let in recent times have been ‘mainly independent’ or smaller shops but some larger ones too.

Weymouth BID welcomed the news but could not comment further on what the new businesses would be, although a 'Made in Italy' sign could be seen in the former Ponden Home shop - with new signage being erected by carpenters on Saturday.

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Dawn Rondeau, BID Chief Operations Officer said: “We are delighted that new businesses are choosing Weymouth to set up and trade from and are delighted that the two stores we shop-wrapped at Christmas are under new ownership. We are excited for what the future holds for Weymouth."

The former Dorothy Perkins and Ponden Home stores were covered with festive murals to enhance the look of the high street during the Christmas period.

Festive murals to disguise empty shops in Weymouth town centre this year

Ms Rondeau added: “The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for small businesses and larger retailers alike but announcements such as this show green shoots beginning to show once again.

“Our work here are We Are Weymouth (Weymouth BID) is to support these businesses and encourage footfall, both local and visitors, into the town.”