A CENTURY-old clothing store is to close its women’s department after 26 years.

Widemarsh Street outfitters Symonds & Co has offered loyal customers cut-price garments before it will clear stock from nearly half of its premises in a few months.

Director Philip Fowler said in a letter to regulars it was happening with “regret and sadness” but explained: “The desire to spend more time working with my charity which helps children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in the Third World, coupled with rental values in Widemarsh Street, have aided my decision to close the ladies’ department.”

The move comes less than a month after family department store Chadds closed its doors.