Readers have decried the changing retail landscape of a Buckinghamshire town following the closure of a popular clothing store.

Popular fast fashion shop Zara, which has over 50 branches across the UK, closed its unit in the Eden Shopping Centre in High Wycombe at the end of last month after the building's lease expired.

The Free Press reported that the chain was rumoured to be leaving the Buckinghamshire town at the beginning of January after staff were allegedly told in a meeting that the lease for the premises, at 41-43 Newland Street, would end on January 31.

Residents in High Wycombe have described the closure as 'such a shame', with some criticising the 'lack of investment' in the Eden Shopping Centre while others took turns to guess its replacement.

Sarah Fiveash said: "Such a shame to see another retailer go. I liked Zara", while Janice Coombes cautioned: "Shops are disappearing now as everyone shops online".

Karen Smith added: "There won't be any clothing (or) shoe shops in Wycombe soon" and Fabiola Romero wrote: "So much potential in this town, so close to London and yet (zero) investment. Definitely the weirdest place I've ever lived in". 

READ MORE: 'Nine new retailers coming to Eden Shopping Centre' in 2024

Anita Latham suggested the now-empty unit could be turned into an indoor children's play space, writing: "There is one (with) mini slides, bouncing castles and ball pits in Aylesbury and my grandchildren enjoyed it on their visit there".

Meanwhile, several others were hopeful that home and leisure brand The Range might set up shop after Zara's departure, although some believed that Sports Direct, which is currently located on Octagon Parade, would move to Newland Street.

Despite concern about the apparent exodus of chains - including Wilko and House of Fraser - from High Wycombe, Shopping Centre Director Andrew Norton told the Free Press that the upcoming 12 months were "looking bright".

He added: "We're looking forward to releasing details of the new retailers and leisure operators coming to Eden this year.

"Our current vacancy rate is just 5.7 per cent, compared to a national shopping centre vacancy rate of just under 20 per cent which demonstrates that Eden is performing exceptionally well."

What do you think will replace the old Zara unit?