SHOPPERS have spoken of their sadness after it was revealed Bolton's BHS store is to close.

The shop, based in Crompton Place Shopping Centre, will shut down after administrators failed to find a buyer. The Bolton store will be closed along with 162 others across the country with the loss of up to 11,000 jobs.

It is not known how many jobs will go at the Bolton store which remained open this afternoon.

Shopper Marjorie Martin, aged 81, said: "It's so sad that it's closing because it's always been a great shop.

"I have been shopping in there for years, this cardigan I have got on now is from there. I really am shocked, nobody mentioned anything when I was just in there. I didn't think it would close because they do sell some nice things."

Department store BHS to close as rescue attempt fails

PICTURES: Bolton's iconic shops throughout the years

Gill Conti, aged 39, who had just come out of the Bolton store said: "It's been around ages so it is a shame.

"I would come in here for the home stuff and bits for my children. It's disappointing for the high street with another shop going."

A spokesman for LaSalle Investment Management, which manages Crompton Place, said: “Following the BHS announcement this week, we are looking at a variety of options to ensure that we maintain the quality of the retail offer in our centres. We are currently working through the different scenarios to achieve a long term solution for all involved.”

Administrator Duff & Phelps said that 8,000 permanent jobs were likely to be lost and another 3,000 not directly employed by BHS were also at risk.

A spokesman said: “Although multiple offers were received, none were able to complete a deal due to the working capital required to secure the future of the company.”

The administrator added that BHS would be in “close-down sale mode” over the coming weeks as it proceeds with an “orderly wind-down” of the business.

The spokesman added: “The British high street is changing, and in these turbulent times for retailers, BHS has fallen as another victim of the seismic shifts we are seeing.

“The tireless work and goodwill of the existing management team and employees of BHS with the support of my team were not enough to change the fortunes of the company.”

The closure is the biggest retail failure since Woolworths went bust in 2008.

BHS was bought last year by a consortium called Retail Acquisitions, headed by Dominic Chappell, for £1 from retail entrepreneur Sir Philip Green, who owned the chain for 15 years.

BHS has debts of more than £1.3 billion, including a pension fund deficit of £571 million, which proved a major stumbling block in the rescue talks.

The company was one of the UK’s most recognised high street brand names having traded for 88 years selling affordable clothing and quality home items.

However, over recent years it begun to struggle against online shopping and value fashion stores such as Primark.

Former owner Mr Green said he was “saddened and disappointed” to learn of the closure.

No date has been given for the closure of the stores and restructuring firm Hilco will now be tasked with helping liquidate BHS's store estate and remaining stock.