National retailer Office Outlet is closing its Ashford store today.

It comes after the stationery chain, which was part of the Staples group, plunged into administration earlier this year.

Despite the company's plan to close stores in Ashford and Canterbury in April, they have remained open until now.

But today, staff are welcoming customers into the branch in Warren Retail Park for the final time.

Simon Barker, Ashford's store manager said: “Today is the last day, we will be closing the store today.

"We are selling all the stock at a discounted price, some of it will be transferred to other stores.

"Nine people from the Ashford store have been made redundant.

"There are 10 stores closing today. The rest of the closures are staggered, the last one will close in the last week of June."

The firm, which is totally separate to the now online-based Staples group, took over the reins of more than 100 Staples branches back in 2016.

But after financial struggles, Deloitte were appointed as administrators this spring.

"Nine people from the Ashford store have been made redundant..." - Simon Barker, Office Outlet's Ashford store manager

Office Outlet, which provides stationery products, business technology, and copy and print services, has 90 stores nationwide.

It employs, nationwide, some 1,200 people. Around 167 employees are being made redundant.

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