THE planning application for the former Argos store – which includes proposals for a coffee shop and a launderette (story here) just goes to show how retail has sadly changed over the years.


A large sized unit in the shopping centre closest to the bus station and they clearly can’t let it out.

This is not a reflection on St Helens, but more of how all the big retail operations are winding in the way they do business.

The cost of renting and staffing isn’t viable compared to selling online clearly.

I’m all for bringing shops back into use and I do believe that much smaller and more sensibly thought out town centres do have a future – a mix of essential shops, office space, culture and social facilities is probably the way forwards.


I’m not quite sure how many people will haul their washing through town though...however time will tell on that front.


Who knows, a rich and creamy hazelnut praline and cream frostino and a cheese toasty might be popular while your underwear is tumbling.


Jon Milligan, via Facebook