The FENWICK department store in Windsor's King Edward Court is to close in the next few months, it has been announced this evening, Monday April 24.

A statement from the company said all its staff would be offered the chance to transfer to its new store in Bracknell's Lexicon development, set to open in the Autumn.

It said 'the ravages of online shopping, the underperformance of the business and the size and mix of the business has slowly whittled away at the store's viability'.

The store fell into loss two years ago.

The proposed closure, which is currently out to consultation with staff, will come as another blow to High Street trading in the area - after Marks and Spencer announced it was looking to leave neighbouring Slough's High Street just last week.

Staff there are also likely to transfer to a new Bracknell store.

Group Chairman, Mark Fenwick, said: “This decision to close has been particularly difficult for the company, the family and me personally, as we have been committed to serving the people of Windsor for over 30 years.

"We have always seen Windsor as a perfect Fenwick town, where our particularly fashion orientated, specialist store offer would thrive."

The company said difficulties with finding a new location in Windsor, after its old lease expired in 2015, left it in an unideal situation.

Mr Fenwick continued: "Unfortunately we were unable to find a suitable alternative location.

"We would like to offer our thanks to the loyal management and our colleagues for their years of dedication to the store. Now our Windsor employees and customers will be our top priority.”

Store Director, Pam Muchan, added: “I want to take this opportunity to thank our outstanding members of staff, many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. Their commitment and dedication is in no way a reflection of this decision and I will now be focusing all of my energy on ensuring they are fully supported throughout the consultation process.”