A DISCOUNT store in Worcester is set to close its doors this month.

Poundstretcher, in Martins Quarter, St Martin's Gate, will close on Friday, August 21.

Posters have been placed on the exterior of the shop announcing the closure.

The signs read: "Sorry we will be closing down...

"We are closing down. Last day will be Friday 21st August."

The chain retailer sells homeware items, from kitchen goods to bedding and luggage, at discounted prices.

Background behind Poundstretcher:

The discount chain Poundstretcher is close to shutting down nearly half its stores, with the likely loss of 2,000 jobs, as an outcome of a review of its finances.

Poundstretcher, which is run by businessman Aziz Tayub, was struggling before the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Tayub reportedly drafted in KPMG advisers to begin a review of the business’ finances amid the pandemic.

Businesses have been struggling after weeks of closure during the high street lockdown and ahead of the unwinding of the government’s furlough scheme designed to protect jobs.

The retailer has 450 stores in the UK and saw the majority remain open during lockdown because it sells food and medicine.

However, the discount chain has said that declining margins have taken a heavy toll on its balance sheet.

KPMG has reviewed the stores and provided measures such as closing unprofitable stores.