The changing face of the High Street has brought particular poignancy to West Bromwich.
The former Smiths Gallery, picture framing specialists, has been sold for £175,000 by property agents Bond Wolfe.
The business, a double shop unit at 347 High Street, Carters Green, is believed to have traded from the site for more than 50 years.
Now it has been acquired by a local investor who intends to put it back into its original state of two separate retail outlets.
He plans to convert the upper parts to residential.
Bond Wolfe managing partner James Mattin said: “It is always sad to see long established businesses such as Smiths Gallery disappear off the High Street, but this is all about renewal and change.
“It is a busy location and therefore attractive to traders.”
Indeed, unlike some other parts of the country, he is optimistic for the future of town centre shopping.
He said: “Demand for high street retail property is definitely on the up locally.
“We are seeing an uplift in viewings which is translating into completed deals.
“And this particular transaction further emphasises the increase in demand from investors. Smaller retail shops are proving popular at the moment.”
Mr Mattin additionally highlighted the recently reconfigured former Allied Carpets store on West Bromwich High Street.
He noted: “The building is being split into five separate retail units with parking to the rear and it has already attracted a new tenant with offers on two more units. With their location directly opposite Astle Retail Park we expect the parade to be fully occupied very quickly.”
