Friars Walk Newport says Home Store only temporary

South Wales Argus

09-06-2025

When the new Home Store was announced to be taking over the old Debenhams unit in Friars Walk, Newport, earlier last month, shoppers were understandably delighted.
The unit stood empty since the collapse of the national chain four years ago and after a being used as a vaccination centre during Covid, and until April, there was no sign of life in the building. But since its opening, some shoppers say they have been left disappointed by the replacement.
It may be part of the signage advertising the once empty unit, but the phrase 'bring this space to life' emblazoned above the front doors fills shoppers with anticipation upon entering.
The new Home Store sells a range of kitchen supplies, storage, carpets and electricals.
However, concerns have been raised about the appearance of the store which internally has all the same fixings from the previous Debenhams shop and signage from brands such as Wallis or Urban Decay, which are not part of this operation.
Signs for brands that were on sale in Debenhams are still on display in the new Home Store (Image: NQ)
Instead, shoppers are met with piles of toilet role for sale, cleaning items and Tupperware.
With initial reports leading shoppers to believe that the store would be a furniture store, the change in direction has left some feeling increasingly disappointed. But Friars Walk has taken to reassuring customers on the store's purpose
Inside the new Home Store in Friars Walk, Newport (Image: NQ) A spokesperson for Friars Walk said: 'Home Store opened its doors in May as a temporary let whilst we continue to look for a more permanent tenant to fill the space; in the meantime, the doors are open, the lights are on and it's an additional offer for customers in the city.'
There is a consensus among shoppers: they are left unsatisfied.
With zero online presence it's hard to find anything out about the business until you visit, but users have taken to social media to express their displeasure with the store's allocation to the unit.
Many Facebook users have expressed their distaste for the shop, on posts concerned about its purpose. User Eleanor Fynn-Goggin described how they simply "walked in and walked straight back out".
Other users such as Graham Shrewsbury believe that the Debenhams signage should stay, as a reminder of "the wonderful stores we have lost that now sell junk".
One reader, who calls themselves chezzajo, on a previous Argus article announcing the store's opening said: 'It's not a furniture store. It sells cheap, tacky goods with false discounts.'
The Argus has made numerous attempts to meet with the manager of Home Store but so far our attempts have been unsuccessful.