CLOTHING retailer Zara has closed its doors at Bolton's Market Place shopping centre.

It is understood the fashion chain wants to concentrate on its city centre outlets and is closing some of its smaller stores.

Bosses at the shopping centre say they did "everything they could" to persuade the store to stay in Bolton.

They are now lining up a new retailer to go into the store, which is based over two levels at the entrance to the centre.

Troubled department store Debenhams remains open at the shopping centre and bosses hope a rescue deal can still be found.

But they revealed they are busy lining up other retailers for this space, in the event that Debenhams cannot be saved.

Alison Stewart, asset manager at Moorgarth Group, said: "Zara has decided to close its doors at the centre before Christmas, which is obviously disappointing, but we are in discussions with other retailers for this unit and potentially the existing Debenhams store.

"Decisions are being made by retailers at an international and national level or are a result of CVAs, however discussions are ongoing with Debenhams and we have done everything possible to keep Zara in Bolton.”