Shoppers are lining the entrances of two Laura Ashley stores in the hope of bagging a bargain as the chain launches its closing down sale.

Branches in Canterbury and Broadstairs opened this morning for the first time since lockdown was imposed in March.

Maidstone's branch in Fremlin Walk shopping centre re-opened yesterday to sell off its trademark furniture, furnishings and accessories.

The retail giant is looking to sell the remainder of its stock before shutting all of its shops for good on a date yet to be announced.

In Canterbury, about a dozen bargain hunters queued outside the Wincheap Trading Estate store before it opened at 9.30am.

Speaking to KentOnline this morning, 59-year-old shopper Janet Eyers said: “I’m disappointed it’s closing down.

“The quality of the things it sells is very good, but it’s quite over-priced.

“There are more competitive places you can go to get similar things now.

“I think it will be missed because it’s classic and traditional and there’s nowhere else like it.

“When I was younger everybody couldn’t get enough of Laura Ashley, but I think it might have become a bit outdated now.”

Clothing is being discounted by as much as 50% online and in-store, while furniture is available at 30% off.

Blean resident Patricia White, 73, said she had been a regular visitor to the Canterbury store for a number of years as she waited in line outside the branch.

And 54-year-old Frankie Hann, from Stelling Minnis, said: “Laura Ashley goes back years; it’s sad to see it go.

“I used to go up to London to the big stores. It’s changed; it’s not what it used to be.

“I’m just going to have a browse. It’s a last chance to do that.”

The branch in Tunbridge Wells is set to reopen tomorrow, with the Laura Ashley in Tenterden due to welcome back shoppers on Monday.

Meanwhile stores in Bromley, Orpington and Sevenoaks are already back up and running.

The fashion chain, which launched in the 1950s, says once the stores close for good, the brand will remain online and through other retailers across the country.

A spokesman for Laura Ashley said earlier this week: “There are some fantastic deals to be found in-store, as everything is now reduced.

“With at least 50% off fashion, we expect clothing ranges to sell out fast.

"We are extremely mindful of the current coronavirus crisis and customers can be assured that the store will be Covid secure.”

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