SHOPPERS have been left 'mourning' the loss of Next in Bracknell after its closure was announced on Thursday.
Next in The Peel Centre confirmed they will be closing on September 13 as their lease will expire.
ALSO READ: Police incident after 'blood' spotted on train station platform
A former colleague of the store said the closure is a "real blow to the town's economy" as "it's a "real shame to see jobs being lost in the current climate."
He said: "I have several friends that do still, and it is a real shame to see jobs being lost in the current climate, and a bit strange as the store was quite profitable.
"I’m unsure of the in’s and out’s of it but overall it’s a real blow to the towns economy and the retail park as well as everyone who worked there who will be out of a job at a time where jobs are few and far between."
ALSO READ: Warning for pet owners: Deadly virus which kills in 24 hours hits Bracknell
The closure has left readers "shocked" because the Next in The Peel centre is convenient and seen as better located than the one in the Lexicon.
Next said the store in the Lexicon will remain open.
But how do readers feel about the closure next month? Here's what you said:
Karen Petford Jordan said: "This is such a shame as this store is definitely a lot better than the one in town."
Helen Squires commented: "Not happy! Oh well, looks like I’ll be driving to the big Sandhurst one as the one in town is rubbish!"
Trudie Ball said: "Let's hope that whoever takes the store on at least interviews the staff losing their jobs."
Jo Hayes: "This is insane it has a car park out the front!"
Kristina Harmsworth BSc said: "I thought that might happen... having two shops in the same town centre is not really viable."
Some residents are holding out hope for a 'better' store to replace the retail unit, like Home Bargains or B&M.
Nicole Stewart said: "Perhaps we could get a B&M or Home Bargains?"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here