A Swedish hardware store that sells tools, toys, car accessories, lamps and watches is to fill the void left by the demise of Woolworths in Kingston.

Clas Ohlson is planning to open the store in the Market Place by November fitting its strategy of finding busy high streets and shopping centres to sell products usually found in out of town locations.

Managing director Mark Gregory said: “We’ve been really pleased with the response we’ve had from customers about our other UK stores and know that our modern hardware brand will be warmly welcomed in Kingston too.”

Woolworths closed down in January and has been empty since, despite suggestions from traders it should host an indoor market.

Town centre manager Graham McNally later said Tesco would “not be right” to replace Woolworths after rumours circulated that the supermarket giant were interested in the site.

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