'A thing of the past' shoppers shout as bargain fashion chain closes 'fantastic' store

Shoppers are upset after a budget fashion chain announced it was closing one of its branches for good.

Select has more than 100 stores in the UK, including branches in Manchester, Bolton and Sunderland.

The brand was founded in 1980 and has become a permanent fixture on the shopping street.

But now the chain has announced plans to down the shutters of its branch in Ashford's County Square shopping center in Kent, according to local news reports.

Shoppers have taken to social media to share their sadness at the decision to close the store, which some described as 'fantastic'.

One customer wrote on Google reviews: “Great store. Lots of variety, nice trousers and nice tops, one of which I bought for my holiday.

“Friendly helpful staff and a very well-organized store.”

One Facebook user said: “Select, County Square Shopping Centre, Ashford, is sadly closing at the end of the month.

“Come grab a bargain while you still can.”

Another added: “It's such a shame.”

A third wrote: “Most people shop online now. Shops are a thing of the past.”

And a fourth shouted: “Surely not?!”

The Sun has contacted Select and County Square Shopping Center for comment.

A number of high street retailers have disappeared from Kent's high streets in recent months.

Clarks closed its store at Westwood Cross Shopping Center in Broadstairs last year and its Ashford site in 2022.

Cath Kidston was bought by Next after it went into administration, but this did not include the shops.

This led to the closure of all its stores, including the Ashford branch.

More main street closures

Retailers have been feeling the pressure since the pandemic, as shoppers cut back on spending due to the rising cost of living.

High energy costs and the move to online shopping after the pandemic are also taking their toll, with many high street stores struggling to continue.

The high street has seen a slew of closures in the past year and more are in the pipeline.

Several major brands have also collapsed, such as Wilko and Paperchase.

Many retailers are struggling to make ends meet, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Energy costs have risen and more consumers than ever are choosing to order online instead of going to the store.

This leaves some retailers struggling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

British retailers saw the amount of goods sold fall last month, at the fastest pace in three years, as under-pressure households moved some of their Christmas shopping to earlier this year.

Sales volumes fell 3.2% in December, Office for National Statistics data showed, compared with a 1.4% increase a month earlier.

Several major chains are pulling down the shutters for the last time this month.

WhSmith in Oban, Scotland, will close permanently on February 17.

While Boots has revealed it will close 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to develop its brand.

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