I went in Hammonds a few weeks ago and the whole experience was dreadful.
They’ve for some reason carved up the whole of the ground floor with a weird temporary grey wall, which doesn’t help the atmosphere. They’ve shoved all the drinkers to the back of the building so it looks completely empty from the outside. Of the food places, Mr Hugo and Burgr had one staff member on (working both places) who looked stressed out and the pizza place didn’t have some of the pizzas available. This was Saturday night.
It was half dead and they were pumping out loud grime music. The shopping area was empty but a complete mess, with empty bags and shelves littering the entrance as you walked in.
Hammonds could be great but it’s been badly badly managed since the start. A load of (non local) stock, at high prices and stuff you’d buy someone as a gift at Christmas. It’s still got potential but they really need some retail experts in fast to save it.