Closing down signs have appeared on a Bolton fashion store - which opened just four months ago.

Flannels has posted the signs which state 'all stock must go' on its windows, leaving shoppers shocked.

The high end clothes store opened in the Market Place Shopping Centre on August 25 and despite its initial success, The Bolton News understands the store will be closing in January leaving workers feeling ‘gutted’.

Flannels moved into the unit which was previously occupied by Tessuti.

Tessuti announced earlier this year it was closing its stores in both Bolton and Bury with Flannels then opening two weeks after its closure.

A store worker in Flannels store told The Bolton News: “We are closing around January 24 and we have only been open four months.

“We have had a good footfall, and it has been alright since we opened, we reckon the company wants to move into a bigger unit so we think it might open in Horwich in a year or two.

“We are all a bit gutted that it is closing, it is a nice store, and we have all been here for a couple of years now, so its heart-breaking knowing I won’t work with these people again and knowing I could be jobless after Christmas.

“They have said they are going to try and shuffle people round as much as possible but its difficult when everywhere has Christmas temps, everyone keeps Christmas temps for that reason.

“We are all a bit gutted, we really are, it has kind of ruined Christmas hasn't it, it has made Christmas a bit more stressful.”

While the store continues to be open until the new year, fashionistas are able to shop all their favourite designer brands, such as BOSS, D. Squared and Barbour.

One shopper said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw the closing down notices up, it is so sad especially at this time of year."

When the opening of Flannels was announced, residents across the borough shared their initial feelings.

One stated: “Flannels are great and will do well in Bolton... And it's not as pricey as some other high-end places.”

Whilst another said: “It's Bolton not London, we don't need big brands. We want cosy shops and stalls like they have in Bury.

“If we want to buy from big brands, we will go to Manchester for that.

“Also, I want the Marks and Spencer’s back.”

The Fraser Group who owns Flannels were contacted for comment alongside the Market Place Shopping Centre.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.