SHOPPERS have been left gutted after a bargain fashion chain announced that it will close one of its branches for good.
Select has more than 100 stores across the UK, including branches in Manchester, Bolton and Sunderland.
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The brand was founded in 1980 and has become a staple of the high street.
But now the chain has announced plans to pull the shutters down on its branch in Ashford’s County Square shopping centre in Kent, according to local news reports.
Shoppers have taken to social media to share their sadness over the decision to close the shop, that some have described as “fabulous”.
Writing on Google reviews, one shopper wrote: “Fabulous shop. Lots of variety nice trousers and beautiful tops one of which I bought for my holiday.
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“Friendly helpful staff and a very organised shop.”
One Facebook user said: “Select, County Square Shopping Centre, Ashford, is unfortunately closing at the end of the month.
“Come and grab a bargain while you still can.”
Another added: “It’s such a shame.”
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A third wrote: “Most people now shop online. Shops are a thing of the past.”
And a fourth cried: “Surely not?!”
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The Sun has contacted Select and County Square Shopping Centre for comment.
A number of high street retailers have disappeared from high streets across Kent in recent months.
Clarks closed its store in the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Broadstairs last year and its site in Ashford in 2022.
Cath Kidston was bought by Next after falling into administration – but this did not include its shops.
This led to the closure of all of its stores, including its branch in Ashford.
More high street closures
Retailers have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
The high street has seen a whole raft of closures over the past year and more are on their way.
Several major brands have also collapsed, such as Wilko and Paperchase.
Many retailers have been struggling to get by, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Energy costs have risen, and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online rather than head into stores.
This has left some retailers grappling with budgets and have no choice but to close stores to cut costs.
British retailers saw the amount of goods they sold drop last month at its fastest rate in three years as under-pressure families shifted part of their Christmas shop to earlier in the year.
Sales volumes dipped by 3.2% in December, data from the Office for National Statistics suggests, down from a rise of 1.4% a month before.
Several big-name chains are pulling down the shutters for the final time this month.
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WhSmith in Oban, Scotland, will close for good on February 17.
While Boots has revealed it is closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
