SHOPPERS have reacted following the news that the Wilko store in Andover will close before the end of the month.

The Bridge Street shop will close its doors for the last time on Thursday, September 21, as part of the company's broader shutdown.

This closure is among 124 Wilko stores across the South East and London that are ceasing operations on or before the same date.

READ MORE: Andover Wilko store's closing date confirmed as part of wider shutdown

Wilkinson Hardware Stores Ltd, Wilko Ltd, and wilko.com Ltd, which are currently under administration, have been exploring options to save the business since their appointment on August 10.

One shopper, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's just another nail in the coffin of Andover. It's a real shame to see it go, it's a well used shop with lots on offer for great prices, and the town will be very sad to see it go."

Cecelia D'Arcy said: "I'm genuinely really sad to see the store go. If I need something, I go to Wilko. It's got a great range of products and is a store I used as a student, and my kids have also used as a student.

"It's another decent shop biting the dust."

Kelly Davis said: "It's another empty store in the high street which is really sad. I know there's B&M and other similar stores nearby but it means you have to travel out of town, so the store here is really handy and convenient. Lots of people will be really sad to see it go."

The move will result in the redundancies of approximately 9,100 employees across the affected Wilko stores.

SEE ALSO: Charity celebrates another family festival to raise money and awareness

Employees at 124 stores, including the Andover location, have been notified that these outlets will close on or before Thursday, September 21.

Ronald Venables said: "The high street is just gradually getting smaller - it's all online these days, so before long there wont be any stores left. Wilko is a good store and it's sad for the whole town to see it going. All we have in Andover is coffee shops and barbers."

Jacquie Waaller added: "There's a lot of people out there who will be out of work and looking for jobs, so my heart goes out to them. Really, local and area councils should back the high street and give them a boost, because the high street is struggling.

"Use some initiative to entice people back to the high street - people love shopping, so give them a reason to get out and into the town."

Marjie Lazoretti told the Advertiser: "It's a real shame. The staff inside the store are so lovely, and my heart truly does go out to them. It's only a few months before Christmas, what are they expected to do?"

Dave Brown expressed: "You can get pretty much anything you could think of in Wilko and for an affordable price and good quality. It's a real shame to see great stores like this go from the high street, and particularly this store as the staff are lovely. A lot of people will miss the store."