A WOMEN’S fashion store will be closing its city centre branch next month.

Staff will be made redundant from the Internacionale store when it leaves CrownGate’s Friary Walk on Friday, May 17 Internacionale began trading in the shopping centre in 2009 taking over from Mk One after it had gone into administration.

But after five years of trading, the fashion store for women and girls will also be leaving Worcester.

A spokesman for the firm, which has more than 140 shops nationwide, said the brand continued to trade elsewhere. She declined to comment on why the Worcester store was closing.

The shop’s closure will leave a significant chunk of CrownGate’s Friary Walk section empty.

Erica Burlace, CrownGate centre manager, said: “Economic conditions are making it continually tough for businesses across the whole retail spectrum at the moment.

“We are very saddened to hear of the closure of Internacionale and our thoughts are with the staff who are being made redundant.”

She added that they will commence discussions with retailers to potentially take on the unit in due time.

Video store Game closed its store in Chapel Walk last month and talks are still ongoing with a retailer interested in the empty unit.

On a positive note CrownGate will be welcoming restaurant and cocktail bar House at the start of May and The Body Shop store will be getting a makeover next month too.

The store will be closing its doors from May 13 to 25 while it undergoes an extensive refurbishment project.

“With the arrival of new restaurant chain House just around the corner, transforming the former Druckers unit into a vibrant venue, The Body Shop’s refurbishment will further enhance the shopping experience for CrownGate’s customers,” said Ms Burlace.

A launch event is planned to mark the store’s new look on Saturday, May 25.