Gloucester Quays is to lose another major retailer, it has confirmed today (October 22).

H&M, one of the centre's anchor stores, is set to close on October 31.

The fashion retailer will have been open for less than two years, having initially opened in December 2019. The 450 square metre store stocks ladies', men's and childrenswear, as well as H&M's Divided collection.

Josh Woodend, press officer for H&M UK, said: "At H&M, we continuously review our store portfolio. The decision to close this particular store was part of the long-term strategy to ensure we are offering our customers the best possible shopping experience in the right locations."

Owen Acland, Gloucester Quays centre manager, said: "It's a shame to see them go, it's a shame whenever a tenant leaves. But it is the end of their lease.

"It was only ever a temporary deal with them, it was never long-term. We've just got to look at the opportunity now and try and get somebody else into that space or some other use. In the meantime, we'll do something nice with the windows and see what comes next."

But the news will come as a blow to the Quays, which has lost two other big names in the past few weeks. The Nike Factory Store and Gap were anchor stores at the centre since it opened in 2009. Nike closed on Wednesday and Gap closed last month.

Owen Acland continued: "They were all corporate decisions based on ends of leases or strategic decisions. It was nothing to do with the performance of the centre or the performance of those stores - they were all really strongly performing stores."

But the centre is looking forward to Christmas, with the ice rink due to open on 25th November and weekly weekend Christmas markets running through to 19th December.

Footfall at the centre is now close to 2019 levels, with sales exceeding 2019 figures.

Owen Acland said: "Customers are getting great bargains. They're going away happy with nice full bags. The future is looking good and we're looking forward to Christmas."

H&M will continue to trade from its stores on Eastgate Street and Cheltenham High Street.

Other retailers at Gloucester Quays include M&S, Adidas, Raging Bull, Crew, Barbour, ProCook, Saltrock and Skechers, with restaurants including Wagamama, Pizza Express and TGI Fridays.