IT HAS been confirmed that Winchester's Laura Ashley will be permanently closing, but has reopened on Saturday for its 'Everything Must Go' closing down sale.

As previously reported in March, Laura Ashley filed for administration after rescue talks were thwarted by the Covid-19 outbreak, putting jobs at risk at the Winchester store.

Now, the business has confirmed that the shop in High Street will be one of around 70 branches permanently closing its doors, with no official closing date yet released.

In a bid to get rid of all stock, and following the latest lift in lockdown measures, the Laura Ashley sale will be offering 50 per cent off fashion items and 30 per cent off furniture.

In order to adhere to social distancing and safety measures, a limited number of shoppers will be allowed in-store at one time, the shop will be deep cleaned regularly and card payments are encouraged.

A spokesperson for Laura Ashley said: “There are some fantastic deals to be found in-store, as everything is now reduced and, with at least 50 per cent off fashion, we expect clothing ranges to sell out fast.

"We are extremely mindful of the current Covid-19 crisis and customers can be assured that the store will be Covid-secure.”