Sad that Topps Tiles will be a new edition to the parade in West Dulwich. Dulwich Estates should think more about adding something to the area/community rather than going for a bland shop who can afford the huge rent.

Unfortunately the clue is in the phrase "huge rent" - not many independents can afford the rent and DE (like them or not) would likely consider increasing the amount charged to residents on the Estate to make up what they may perceive to be a shortfall in revenue. I'm not a fan of big generic shops opening, but I'd rather have something in the space rather than have it boarded up (which makes the area look downbeat in my opinion)....

What would you like to see there Mazza?

An independent coffee/eatery such as Bertie & Boo in Balham where locals could meet, be a focal point for the area and encourage passersby to stop would really add to the collection of shops already here. Since the news was made public we have had a large number of customers expressing surprise and sadness that firstly it is a nationwide chain and secondly a tile shop.

I'd rather see a greengrocer/fishmonger but who can afford the rents - only a chain; I suppose the tile shop will in some way complement the kitchen shop... I'd really love to see something like Steamer Trading (it's similar to Divertimenti), maybe with a coffee bar....

I was really sad to see that it was going to be a tile shop, it seems so odd, although I appreciate money talks, I would have loved a health shop like whole foods, even a new generic clothes shop but a boring tile shop, I am a little disappointed.

I think it's a disgrace that Topps Tiles has been given the lease - it will add absolutely nothing to the area and no additional benefits to local residents. Their Blue and Yellow hoarding will be a blot on an otherwise quite picturesque selection of shops (bar Tesco!).

Dulwich Estates has the responsibility that when deciding on who to lease to they take into account the views of local residents and that the new commercial tenant is in-keeping with its surroundings.

Can I just ask how many people were regular visitors to Lesley Leale-Greene's salon?

Exactly, probably not very many, that is why I think so many people are disappointed, how nice would it have been to have a shop that we needed or wanted to use on a regular basis.

At the very least I hope it's going to be one of their boutique shops

http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/toppsstore440/topps-tiles-wimbledon-village-boutique.html

Ideally I would have loved a Thai takeaway/restaurant or coffee/tea place where you could lunch. Topps Tiles does not add anything to the parade of shops, I am not a snob but they are more suited to the Old Kent Road.

I'm not a fan either, but they do have boutiques (more Fired Earth style) in Bayswater, Fulham, Wimbledon Village, Islington etc so maybe that's what they're planning here.....

LN it is going to be one of their Boutique versions:

http://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/topps-tiles-to-add-four-more-boutique-stores-in-london-10260382.html

I agree this is a depressing addition to the local shopping area. Shame on the Dulwich Estate, particularly given there is a Fired Earth in the Village already! I understand a number of independent businesses have approached them in the past but they only want chain type stores with specific projected levels of income. I personally think a fishmonger would have been a fantastic addition. Maybe there is still scope for this when the Dairy is developed? Scotch Meats are expanding into the old Chinese takeawy next door (deli and fruit and veg shop, brilliant news), and a fishmonger would complete this! Maybe once the Rosendale Surgery has moved? Maybe Moxons could expand over here! Or Whittakers could reo-open! If only...

MtnBkChick - have you been to the fishmonger on the corner of Croxted Road and Brockwell Park? It's really good.... As far as I'm aware the dairy site is still on track to be a medical centre (Rosendale Surgery is moving there).

Yes I know that - what I meant was when the surgery/pharmacy move to the new Dairy site.

Well I still wish it was something more useful for everyday living, but I must admit its looking quite smart.

I'm not sure why Dulwich Books would like another coffee/eatery when we have Gastronomia, Café Rouge and Da Porcini. At least Topps Tiles may bring in new customers and it's not their usual garish façade but the classier "Boutique" style. I do feel we should support our existing local businesses and not wish for new ones that would just be competition for them.

I agree with Grover, the last thing we need is another eatery/cafe, we are. in a way so lucky to have so many within walking distance.