A FASHION and homeware retailer is shutting its Colchester store in a blow to the town centre.

Laura Ashley is closing its Trinity Square store after remaining stock is sold off in a closing down sale.

The troubled retailer was founded in the 50s but entered administration in March this year, blaming coronavirus on its money woes.

It is closing dozens of stores across the country, but will continue to operate online.

Colchester Council’s business boss David King said it was a blow to the town centre, but not unexpected.

He said: “Closures are inevitable, we are all going to find that out to a degree. We know businesses are going to struggle and brands are going to struggle.

“So far most of the decisions about closures from national chains have gone Colchester’s way, but this hasn’t. We are sad to see Laura Ashley go and we wish them all the best.”

Mr King said he was still confident in Colchester town centre’s recovery from the crisis and there had already been encouraging signs since retailers reopened on Monday.

He said: “I know from conversations with businesses and with Our Colchester Business Improvement District they have made a very good started to reopening.

“There has been strong returning footfall but what matters most to businesses is people coming back to spend.

“The feedback we have had is the footfall is turning into cash spending which is really good news.

“I think at the moment the town centre is doing as well as we could have hoped. We have had a safe and enjoyable return and it has shown itself in the footfall and feedback from shoppers.”

Mr King added: “Laura Ashley has had financial struggles and this reflects a wider shift to online shopping which is driven by the consumers.”

Laura Ashley’s Colchester store has reopened for the closing down sale, with an exact closing date to be announced.

A spokesman 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 crisis and customers can be assured that the store will be Covid secure.”