High Street giant Marks and Spencer have today confirmed they will be closing their Accrington store.
The shop on Broadway, which has been in the town for 53 years, is set to close its doors in Spring next year.
The retailer has said that all staff members from the Accrington store will be offered roles at a new store in Rawtenstall or at other nearby existing stores.
An M&S spokesman said: “We have given the closure of our Accrington store a great deal of consideration and it is not a decision that we have taken lightly.
"The new store in Rawtenstall will offer a much bigger M&S food offer and an improved shopping experience and free parking.
"Most of all, we want to ensure we are in the best location to serve our customers, and one which is fit for the future of M&S. We believe we have found this in Rawtenstall.”
Coun Clare Cleary, chair of the Accrington Town Team, said: "This has come as a real surprise to me. It's a flagship store in the town and a good employer.
"It's a blow to the staff just after Christmas."I know people who work there, it's very disappointing but we're not going to give up and lie back and let it happen."
Leader of Hyndburn Council Miles Parkinson said: "It's extremely disappointing."It's hard when we see stores like M&S who have had difficulties but we always thought that the store in Accrington was performing well and it served the people of Hyndburn.
"It's a concern but we're all aware of how shopping has changed."
