A retail expert has warned a shopping street could be losing its shine with the closure of Waterstones.
The book store's closure at the weekend left a large space in Market Street, Leicester.
Four of the 32 units currently stand empty but Phil Garton, who lectures in retail at De Montfort University, said he was concerned.
He said while few people probably went to Market Street solely for books, the street had lost a lot of its appeal as a shopping destination.
"Waterstones occupied a huge shop – one of the biggest in Leicester – and the big players aren't really looking to expand so I can't imagine it will find a new occupant soon," Mr Garton said.
"Market Street has also lost Clintons and Withers sports shop moved to Carts Lane.
"Too many vacancies will impact on the feel of the street. It will lose its attractiveness."
Dean Newman, who opened Newman's cafe in Market Street 26 years ago, also felt negative.
He said: "Market Street has seen business declining since the Highcross opened. We've all suffered.
"The loss of Waterstones will mean another drop in footfall and we're just lucky we've still got Fenwick."
Fenwick director David Illingworth was positive.
He said: "We are sad to see Waterstones go, but Market Street has held up extremely well.
"We have a lot of good independents. The losses of Waterstones and Clintons were due to national companies having problems.
"Fenwick is doing okay and we're very happy with the position we have in the city."
Dominic Gomersall, owner of Lumbers Jewellers, in Market Street, said he hoped to expand.
He said: "This street has an opportunity to re-emerge as the Bond Street of Leicester.
"The loss of Waterstones is a setback but not the demise."
Vicky Renolds, 29, of West End, Leicester, said: "It brought a lot of people in. It's a shame, really.
"Online book shops are squeezing out retailers."
Osbert Nalithi, 45, of Eyres Monsell, Leicester, said: "It will probably stop me from coming to Market Street – Waterstones was my main attraction here."
Paul Dixon, 45, of Rowley Fields, Leicester, said: "It will have an impact but not a big one."
