SHOPPERS and retail bosses have welcomed the return of menswear store Greenwoods to St Helens after a new store opened in the Hardshaw Centre.

Just nine months after the Bridge Street store closed its doors after more than two decades in the town, the brand has now returned with a 2349 sq ft store, near Heron Foods and Home Bargains.

Gary Mitchell, manager of The Hardshaw Centre, which is managed by commercial property agency LCP, said: “Local shoppers were very disappointed when Greenwoods closed its doors at the side of the Tyrers building on Bridge Street, earlier this year so there has been a significant buzz now that it has opened up in the centre.

“It’s a well-known name in the town and a great name to add to the national high street and independent favourites here at The Hardshaw Centre.”

The store has been busy with shoppers, with pensioners in particular pleased to see the return of the menswear favourite.

Brian White, 87, from Newton-le-Willows, was among them.

He said: "I was upset when the store closed earlier this year – and now I'm delighted by its return. I've been shopping at Greenwoods for years – it's always good quality and value for money."


Welcoming the announcement, St Helens Council’s Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for economic development, councillor Andy Bowden, said: “The return of a nationally-recognised store like Greenwoods is a real confidence boost for St Helens town centre and it’s pleasing to see it is attracting customers already.

“Our vision, and what our communities want to see, is our our town centres thrive with a fantastic retail and leisure offer, so it’s encouraging to hear that a number of positive enquiries have come forward from businesses looking to open in St Helens town centre.”