A FASHION giant has confirmed that its store in Chester city centre is to permanently shut next month.

H&M, based at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, will close its doors for the final time on July 4.

The world’s second largest clothing retailer said the city centre closure is part of its "long-term strategy to ensure we are offering our customers the best possible shopping experience in the right locations".

In October last year, H&M revealed plans to shut 250 of its stores globally after the Covid-19 pandemic moved more shoppers online.

The Swedish company said that around a quarter of its 5,000 stores were able to renegotiate or exit contracts in 202, allowing it to close some branches.

A spokesperson for H&M said: "H&M Chester Grosvenor Centre will close on July 4.

"At H&M we continuously review our store portfolio, the decision to close this particular store was part of the long-term strategy to ensure we are offering our customers the best possible shopping experience in the right locations.

"Customers can continue to shop for quality fashion at the best price at our nearby Broughton Park and Cheshire Oaks stores, or online at hm.com."