More departures from a Leighton Buzzard shopping centre have left customers scratching their heads.
Poundstretcher and Coffee & More have been fixtures in Waterborne Walk, off the High Street, for years.
The latter attracted a loyal fanbase after setting up in 2011 on the former site of Latte Heaven.
Six months ago, Coffee & More owner Spencer Arden accused local Wetherspoon, The Swan Hotel, of muscling in, after it printed a poster negatively comparing the prices of independent coffee shops with its own bargain deals. The prices on the poster were found to be inaccurate.
Poundstretcher’s closure on November 1, comes as the company embark on a nationwide initiative towards larger stores in order to compete with the growing discount store market.
A spokesman for Poundstretcher was unable to comment before the LBO went to press.
Savills, agents for CPI – the owners of Waterborne Walk – have so far remained tight-lipped about the changes as shoppers speculate on social media about the sudden turnaround, some claiming rents had been hiked.
In recent times, Blockbuster, Shoe Zone and Co-op Travel have also left the centre.