Disappointed shoppers say Poundland's exit from another high street is “a sign of the times” as town centres continue to struggle.

But there is hope that despite the “big hole” left behind from the chain’s departure in Deal, the “vibrant” town centre will survive yet.

Questions now remain over what could fill the empty unit, with many hopeful M&S might even return to the seaside town.

Bosses at the discount chain confirmed earlier this month that Poundland would leave its unit at 41 High Street – with yesterday (Monday) its final day of trading.

The shop had only relocated to that unit in January 2022, having previously been based in a smaller shop at number 15.

Before that, number 41 was home to beloved high street staple Marks & Spencer, which closed and left Deal in 2019.

Speaking to shoppers about the changes, many voiced their disappointment over the loss of Poundland.

Vicky Dodkins, who moved to Walmer with her husband Michael earlier this year, said: “It’s still a real shame to lose Poundland - especially when money is tight. It’s a real sign of the times.

“High streets always seem to go through spells of ups and downs. I mean, in Deal, Halifax has closed, Natwest is gone and now Poundland.

“I still don't know why M&S closed - I’d love to have it back.

“But even with the empty unit, Deal is still a great high street.

“A men’s clothes shop would be handy as that really seems to be lacking in Deal.”

Stephanie Dove said she did not want to see Deal follow in the footsteps of her hometown’s high street, Ramsgate.

Speaking to KentOnline, she said: “We come here [to Deal] because there’s so much more going on than in Ramsgate, which is just full of empty shops these days.

“There’s very little to do in the town, and it really lacks variety.

“It’s a shame to see Poundland leave Deal, it will certainly leave quite a big hole in the high street.”

In June, bosses at Poundland revealed plans to permanently shut 68 shops after being sold by Pepco Group to Peach Bidco, a subsidiary of private equity firm Gordon Brothers, for £1.

The move formed part of a restructuring plan that was approved by the High Court in August - just days before it was due to run out of money and collapse into administration.

As part of the plan, branches in Broadstairs, Gravesend and Tunbridge Wells all closed their doors earlier this year.

A unit in St George’s Street, Canterbury, also shut, but reopened just a week later after bosses secured a new lease agreement.

Chiefs at Poundland confirmed the closure of the Deal store was not included in the originally planned 68 closures, but was instead due to the expiry of the lease.

Sharon Yorath, also from Ramsgate, thinks it is an opportunity for M&S to return to Deal.

Originally opened in 1937, it was a central part of the town’s high street for generations.

A petition opposing the closure in 2019 garnered 3,000 signatures in 24 hours, but the campaign to save the shop was unsuccessful as it closed on April 27 of that year.

Ms Yorath added: “An M&S would be fantastic, any high street that can support them would be set for life.

“[Poundland is] quite a large unit, and that seems to be what they want these days, as a lot of them have moved out of towns.

“Otherwise, they’d have to split it up into smaller units for independent shops. Although they always seem to struggle to sustain themselves for longer periods, rates and rent are always a problem.”

Mayor of Deal, Cllr Mike Eddy, remains convinced the unit will soon be back in action.

He said: “The loss of a large chain is disappointing but appears to be part of wider decisions taken by the company.

“Here in Deal, I am pleased to say we have a vibrant High Street.

“We have a successful blend of bespoke, local businesses and national ones too, so feel sure the retail unit will soon be occupied again.”

Last year, The Original Factory Shop also left Deal amid plans to transform its large unit in the high street into five separate businesses with 17 flats above.

But bosses said they would like to return to Deal.

At the time, a spokesperson for the chain said: “After the landlord informed us that they were redeveloping our Deal store, we were unable to renew the lease.

“We want to remain in town, and our property team would consider any alternative suitable sites.”