An outdoor clothing brand is set to vacate its unit at an out-of-town shopping centre leaving its staff “heartbroken”.

Workers at Regatta in the Dockside Outlet Centre in Chatham were told the news the store was to shut just a week before Christmas.

There were unconfirmed reports the retailer, which sells products such as waterproof and breathable jackets, fleeces, trousers and footwear, felt the lease was no longer viable after a rent increase.

But Anthony Sutton, manager at Chatham Dockside, was quick to point out that was not the case.

He told KentOnline: “We categorically were not looking to raise the rents and we had proactively asked to discuss options but this was not something that was accepted.”

A spokesman for Regatta said: “Regatta did not take the decision to close the store at Chatham’s Dockside Outlet Centre lightly.

“The closure comes following challenging footfall in the centre and to coincide with the store lease coming to an end.

“As a business we informed staff in accordance with contracts to ensure we gave the required notice period before the store closes on 3rd February 2024.

“Shoppers can continue to shop with us online at Regatta.com.”

The store, which is now having a closing down sale with up to 70 per cent off, has been open for five years.

A notice inside reads: “We appreciate your support during this difficult time for our team as we are all heartbroken to lose our lovely store and most of all our fabulous team.”

The shop will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, February 3.

It comes after shoppers warned they would stop used the shopping complex, near St Mary’s Island, after new parking charges were announced.