STAFF at Whiteheads store in Bolton town centre are reeling after being told that the store is to close in January.
The building is to be bought by Bass Taverns. Bass anticipate that a new project will create around 35 jobs.
Richard Whitehead, store director, said: "Naturally, we are all terribly upset, but trade in Bolton town centre has become increasingly difficult, over the last few years, and when we received the offer this summer, it was too good to refuse."
The closing down sale will start immediately, and about 45 staff will be made redundant after Christmas, though the management has committed themselves to do everything in their power to help them find new jobs.
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