A COLCHESTER city centre retailer has announced it will be closing its doors.

Superdry, in Shewell Walk, is set to shut this month with a sign having gone up in-store confirming the closure.

It reads: "This store is closing on September 14.

"You can continue to shop the full collection at Superdry.com.

"For returns queries, please speak to a member of staff."

City councillor Mark Goacher said: “Obviously it’s very sad to hear that another store is closing in Colchester.

“But let’s hope something comes along to fill the space soon.” 

Superdry opened in the 3,500 sq ft site back in 2011.

The site was home to the former Waterstone’s store before the retailer moved in, which followed fellow fashion retailers like H&M and Republic which had already moved into Culver Square.

Julian Dunkerton, founding partner of Superdry owner SuperGroup, said at the time: “This is an exciting time for us and Colchester is a great store in an historic town.”

To mark the opening, a day of street entertainment was enjoyed the following week.

Closing - Superdry announced its store will shut on September 14. Closing - Superdry announced its store will shut on September 14. (Image: Newsquest)

Last year was one Superdry bosses had described as “exceptionally challenging” as sales weakened, and losses deepened.

Shares in the company plunged to a fresh all-time low after its founder said he did not plan on making an offer to buy the business earlier this year.

Shares tumbled by nearly 50 per cent in April to lows of around 13p per share, in a sign shareholders were unimpressed by the takeover talks being abandoned.

It was the lowest price since the company began trading on the London Stock Exchange in 2010.

The troubled fashion chain later launched a restructuring plan in an effort to salvage its future on the UK’s high streets.

The company also warned it would be forced to enter into administration if it did not go ahead with the plans.

The fashion business, which employs more than 3,000 people globally and runs more than 200 shops alongside franchised stores, has been looking at various ways to cut costs to secure its future on Britain’s high streets.

It has looked to raise up to £10 million through an equity raise, meaning the sale of new shares, to support its restructuring plans.