There is speculation discount chain B&M Bargains could be eyeing a new city centre location as the firm prepares to close two Liverpool stores.
The bargain retailer, headquartered in the city, will shut down stores in London Road and Park Road at the end of this month.
But it is now being suggested that the company's reorganisation could include a move to a prominent city centre location.
Retailers at St John's Market said they believe B&M could be set to takeover the large unit in Clayton Square left vacant by the closure of Clas Ohlson in 2018.
We asked B&M directly if there was any truth in the rumours and while they did not confirm a move, they certainly didn't deny it either.
A spokeswoman said: "We’re always looking at sites for new stores and would welcome the opportunity to invest in the region.”
While there is no official confirmation, news of a potential new retailer moving in to Clayton Square would be seen as a big boost for an area that has been struggling in recent years.
The once bustling shopping area has seen a number of big name departures.
The Tesco Metro store in the former Owen Owen building closed in early January 2019 and just days later, Sports Direct announced it was closing its store next door.
Maplin, in Clayton Square Shopping Centre opposite Sports Direct, also closed back in 2018.
Traders in St John's Market, who have faced their own struggles because of the decline in footfall through the area - and after a failed £2.5m refurbishment of the market itself said they would welcome the arrival of B&M in Clayton Square.
John Foley, who runs the Little Scouse Toy Shop in the market said: "B&M closing London Road and Park Road but soon could have their first City Centre shop in Liverpool.
"Clayton Square Liverpool looks like a great location."
After announcing the closures of its stores in Park Road and London Road, B & M aid all staff members were offered the chance to transfer to a nearby store, and some chose to take voluntary redundancy.
The nearest B&M stores to those closing are on Great Homer Street and Edge Lane.
B&M also have several other stores across Merseyside, including County Road, Belle Vale Shopping Centre, Hunts Cross Shopping Park and Bootle Strand.
