A handbag and clothing brand which fell into administration three years ago is set to close its last store in Kent.

Cath Kidston will shut later this week at Ashford Deisgner Outlet following the closure of its other shops at Bluewater Shopping Centre and in Canterbury.

In 2020, the retailer was looking for a buyer after it filed a notice to appoint Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) as administrators as the Covid crisis continued to tighten its grip on the already struggling retail sector.

In March this year, Next agreed to acquire Cath Kidston’s brand name, domain names and intellectual property and paid £8.5m for it.

But now, all remaining stores in the UK are expected to trade down stock before closing permanently, with the Ashford branch the latest to shut its doors on Sunday, June 25.

Cath Kidston opened at the Outlet in 2017 and sells clothing, accessories and stationery showcasing vintage patterns.

A notice signed by all members of staff at the shop has gone up in the window, as well as a countdown until closure sign.

“Thank you to all our wonderful Cath customers for all your years of support,” the sign in the window read.

“We have loved talking to you all things Cath and we will miss you all. From all the team at Cath Kidston Ashford.”

A spokesperson for Ashford Designer Outlet has confirmed that all Cath Kidston employees have found roles elsewhere in the outlet.

Cath Kidston has been contacted for comment.