Efforts to improve the appearance of the former Woolworths store in Strand Street will make a difference to Douglas, according to the chairman of the Retail Committee of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce.
Steve Bradley says any empty unit, and particularly such a large one, affects the overall feel of the main shopping area.
Last week the borough council put up white hoardings across the front of the building, after drawn out attempts to get the owners to improve things.
On today's Talking Heads on Manx Radio, Mr Bradley said he was hopeful the unit would be filled in the near future:
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