This week, WHSmith announced it would be closing its store at the Wellington Square shopping complex, in Stockton, in May this year.
The firm said the decision had been made as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry, adding that it is “no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location”.
The announcement left the future of the Post Office, which is located inside the store, hanging in the balance, with no news on whether it would remain in the town.
However, The Northern Echo can confirm that a vacancy has been advertised and interest has been expressed from two retailers.
A spokesperson said: “The operator for Stockton-on-Tees Post Office has resigned as WHSmith has made the difficult decision to close the store where the branch is based.
“The date has not yet been finalised, but it is likely to be May 17. The vacancy has been advertised and we have interest expressed from two retailers.”
As previously reported, bright yellow closing-down signs stating “everything must go” were recently erected on the windows of the store.
A statement from a WHSmith spokesperson explained that it is “disappointed” to be losing the store and thanked customers and staff.
They said: “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Stockton on Tees will be closing in May.
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“It is no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry.
We are disappointed to be losing our presence in Stockton on Tees and we would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.
“We are also extremely grateful for the commitment of our in-store colleagues who we will support with this transition and redeploy to nearby stores, where possible.”