BOSSES at the soon-to-close Prestons of Bolton have been ‘overwhelmed’ since launching a closing down sale — but there is still chance to pick up a bargain.

The iconic jewellery store launched its closing down sale on Saturday morning, selling all items at 60 per cent off retail price as it looks to shift all of its stock before shutting for good.

More than 100 people queued up outside the Deansgate entrance to Prestons on Saturday and staff said the response from the public has been amazing.

Store manager Sue Meade said: “We’ve had an extremely busy few days since re-opening our doors for the closing down sale last Saturday.

“The number of customers who have visited the store, from near and far, has been overwhelming.”

Ms Meade said that despite the influx of bargain-hunting customers, there are still plenty of items to be picked up before the famous store closes its doors.

Iconic jewellery store Prestons of Bolton to close after nearly 150 years in town centre

PICTURES: History of iconic jewellers Prestons of Bolton

She added: “We look forward to welcoming customers to the store as the sale continues to run for the coming weeks and months until all the stock is sold.”

Prestons shocked the people of Bolton when it announced that it would be closing down after operating in the town for nearly 150 years.

After first launching in 1869, bosses decided that due to changing conditions in the retail market, the Bolton site will have to close.

After initially shutting on August 25, the shop famously known as ‘the Diamond Centre of the North’ reopened on Saturday for the start of the sale.

Since news of the closure broke, The Bolton News has been inundated with messages and tributes from residents who have bought special items from Prestons in the past.

This included Olympic hero Jason Kenny, who purchased his engagement ring for his cycling star fiancé Laura Trott from the iconic store in 2014.