Carphone Warehouse is to close all 531 of its standalone stores with the loss of 2,900 jobs.

It includes branches in Hempsted Valley in Gillingham, St George's Shopping Centre in Gravesend, the Pentagon Centre in Chatham, Week Street in Maidstone, Bluewater, High Street in Sevenoaks, High Street in Tonbridge and Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells.

It is thought branches located within Curry's, including Sittingbourne, Aylesford Retail Park and Horsted Retail Park in Chatham will remain open.

In a statement, it said the move was due to the change in how customers buy their mobile devices, connectivity and technology.

After the standalone stores are closed on April 3, the company will focus on selling mobile devices and connectivity through its shops in 305 Currys PC World stores and online.

Group chief executive Alex Baldock said: "Today's tough decision is an essential part of that, the next step in making our UK mobile business a success for customers, colleagues and other shareholders."

More follows.

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