The Guild, Wilton: Frustration at lack of shops in quiet centre

The Guild, formerly known as Wilton Shopping Village, is described as a "specialist destination shopping centre" by its developer Eagle One.

The new managers of the site took over in 2020, announced in October they would be rebranding the shopping village and said the departure of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill in August presented them with "an exciting opportunity to redevelop their former space".

But almost three years later the building still stands empty with no sign of new a business moving in.

The quiet retail sector in the Guild. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Many of the units in the courtyard have been replaced by offices, with the House Of Mac hairdresser, Sofa Smith shop and newly-opened cafe the Weavers remaining.

Read more: ​New cafe the Weavers opens at the Guild in Wilton to replace Tea Room

Aspiga's outlet clothing shop, Pavers Shoes and Wilton Flooring Factory Shop are all that remain in the retail sector of the Guild.

Empty units next to Aspiga. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Former Edinburgh Woollen Mill building. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Emma Stuart, 32, manager at Aspiga, said Eagle One asked her to move out of the courtyard earlier this year to make room for the offices.

She told the Journal that communication from Eagle One has been poor ever since, adding: "We were told this side would be the retail side but nothing else has gone up recently. We have not been told any more about the plans."

Aspiga sees between 20 and 40 customers per week.

Manager Emma Stuart inside Aspiga. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Ms Stuart said when the shop first moved in the place was "full" but as businesses left they were replaced with offices instead of shops.

"It's such a shame. Customers ask what’s happening and we have no answers for them.

"Local people come to us because they know our name and we don’t rely on the footfall as much but it is frustrating not having neighbours when we have empty units sat next to us," she added.

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Pavers Shoes has been a longstanding business with 26 years' worth of history in the Wilton shopping centre.

Manager Sarah Webb is staying positive about the future and wanted to reassure customers that Pavers has "no intentions of going anywhere".

She said: "We love seeing all our customers and would love them all to come back."

Sarah Webb outside Pavers. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Situated in the "perfect location" as the first shop customers see upon entering the Guild, Ms Webb hopes that if more customers pass through it will lead to more shops opening.

Eagle One claims it has an asset portfolio worth £190 million and it also runs the Shield Retail Centre in Bristol and The Valley in Evesham.

Marketing director Phil Maclean, at Eagle One, said more than £1m has been invested into the Guild since the pandemic which had a "profound impact" on customer's shopping habits.

These included "various building improvements" and "significant construction projects".

'Recovery has been slower than we had hoped'

Mr Maclean said: "Following the departure of Edinburgh Woollen Mill which once represented over half of our shopping centre and was a significant draw for visitors, we've faced some challenges in getting the scheme back to where we'd like it to be.

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"Like many retail destinations, the pandemic has had a profound impact on the retail industry, and it has also prompted many people to rethink their lifestyles and work habits. As a result, the recovery has been slower than we had hoped.

"In response to these challenges, we, like many other shopping scheme owners, have had to diversify to ensure the scheme's long-term sustainability."

Brian, 87, and Margaret, 82, Turner have been shopping in Wilton for years but say it's "hopeless" visiting the Guild now that most of the shops have shut. 

Brian and Margaret Turner in the Guild. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

The couple, from Haytesbury, think Eagle One should cater to the "older people", Mr Turner said: "I honestly don't think the place is suitable for younger people. 

"We're of an older generation that likes to talk to people and see what we're buying."