A High Wycombe charity shop has revealed they are ‘worried’ that Primark’s impending move to the Eden Centre will make them lose customers.

Volunteers at the Cancer Research branch on Church Street, which is directly opposite the megastore, believe the footfall will decrease quite dramatically, and that there would be ‘no reason’ for customers to venture to that part of town.

Primark has been situated in derelict Chilterns Shopping Centre since it arrived in South Buckinghamshire back in 2008, but after several conversations with the council, it was confirmed this spring that the branch would move outlets.

Cancer Research is based along Church Street in High WycombeCancer Research is based along Church Street in High Wycombe (Image: NQ)

It wasn’t known where to, but in recent weeks, it has since been established that the national shop will now be based within the Eden Centre, replacing the outgoing House of Fraser.

The latter closed in January 2023, with the space lying empty until Primark reopens in the town on September 11.

Speaking ahead of the move, one volunteer from Cancer Research said: “I think it will have a huge impact on us as that is the only shop that brings people down here.

“Apart from when we have the market on the Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, the amount of people it attracts down here is huge.

The new Primark will be in the Eden Centre in High WycombeThe new Primark will be in the Eden Centre in High Wycombe (Image: NQ)

“It’s a very popular shop and when I was talking to my daughter the other day, she said that it’s the go-to place for the younger generation.

“Most people in this area come here to go to Primark, and we benefit hugely from that footfall.

“Customers usually go past us to get to Primark so they sometimes pop in.

“I think it will impact us big time.”

Another said: “Primark being here helps us and once they go, there would be no reason for people to come over this way.

“The loss of footfall will be huge, and sometimes, people come in after they have been to Primark.

“We have the post office which is nearby and at the end of the month, it’s busy as people will go there to pay their bills and whatnot, and sometimes, they pop in here to see what they could find.

“But other than that, it’s mainly Primark.”

Despite their concerns, several residents are excited by the fact that the shop will be moving into the Eden Centre.

The old Primark has been based in the town since 2008The old Primark has been based in the town since 2008 (Image: NQ)

One local said: “I think it’s a good move.

“It’ll be in a much busier part of Wycombe so once you leave, you’ll be surrounded by other shops.

Another added: “It is a good thing.

"Primark is out of the way so if they are moving into the Eden Centre, people will be going there more.”

The shop will open to customers on September 11 at 10am.

The old unit will be turned into flats.