A FASHION retailer in Newport city centre is just days away from closing, it has been confirmed.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Select, in John Frost Square, would be closing down.

Today (Monday, October 25), bosses at the store have confirmed their final day of trading – this coming Saturday.

On October 30, the retailer, which specialises in women’s clothing and accessories, is closing its doors for the final time.

It paves the way for a new 24-hour restaurant and takeaway to take its place, after a planning application for its change of use was approved earlier this autumn.

South Wales Argus: The store is just days away from closing for the final timeThe store is just days away from closing for the final time

When closed, it will be something of an end to an era, as Select has occupied its premises since the major redevelopment of John Frost Square and Friars Walk.

Ahead of the closing, all products are being sold in-store at a discount of 30 per cent, thought to be in a bid to shift stock.

Signs advertising the sale, and the impending closing of the store, have been spotted in the shop windows over the recent weeks.

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What will happen next?

Though outward facing onto John Frost Square, the Select store is technically considered part of the Kingsway Shopping Centre.

Last month, Newport City Council gave planning permission to Kingsway Investments LLP – the owners of the Kingsway Shopping Centre to change the use of 6-8 John Frost Square, the home of Select, to a restaurant and takeaway.

As part of these plans, the premises is now able to trade as a 24-hour food outlet.

With Select set to vacate the site, plans can now move forward in terms of finding a new occupant for the space.

It is not known if anyone is currently lined up at this time.

In deciding the planning application, a council planning officer wrote: “It is considered that the use of the property as an A3 use would retain adequate levels of retail frontage in this area and draw customers to an area of the city centre which suffers from higher levels of vacancy.

“Planning Policy Wales encourages a mixture of uses in city centres, which would help to create an attractive and vibrant city centre.

“Although not entirely compliant with policy R3, it is considered that the benefits of the scheme would far outweigh the failings of the proposal against this policy.”

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What about Select fans?

While news of the store closure will likely come with some sadness to customers, Select has a number of other stores in Gwent, and the surrounding areas.

Currently, there are stores in Cwmbran, Caerphilly, and Chepstow.

Further afield there are stores in Barry, Bridgend, and Tonypandy.