A LOCAL branch of a British country clothing store has announced it is shutting, adding to the long list of High Street closures.

Joules, located on the corner of St Thomas Street has announced it will be closing on Saturday, September 24.

Staff are busy packing up ready for the final day of retail on Saturday, with a covering manager in place to help with the closure.

A large blue sign filling the store’s side window, addressed from the Joules Team, reads: “We’re leaving Winchester. Goodbyes are always hard and this one certainly doesn’t come easily, but we’ve made the decision to close our Winchester store.

“We’d like to thank all you lovely lot for supporting us over the years.

“And remember, you can always find us online at joules.com or your nearest stores which are Southampton and Whiteley.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

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Letting agent Carter Jonas has already found a new retailer to take over once Joules has moved out. A spokesman for the estate agent said that the new company is expected to move in within the next few months.

Hampshire Chronicle:

According to the covering manager the decision to close the shop has been in consideration for a while with the initial plan being to find a new unit in the city. However, that is no longer a likely possibility, meaning the Joules customers will now have to travel to Southampton, Whiteley or online to do their shopping. Consultations are in place to determine the repositioning of the Winchester staff to other Joules locations.

Hampshire Chronicle:

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Joules head office has been contacted for comment on the reason behind the local closure.

The Winchester branch is open 9.30am-5.30am with the last day of sales being Saturday, September 24.