A HIGH end fashion shop has closed its doors in Oxford's Westgate Centre.

Notices have been posted in the window of L.K Bennett on the lower floor of the £440million centre, advising customers to go to Bicester instead. 

The shop, a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge, is one of the first to close since the rebuilt centre re-opened in October 2017. 

Last month the retailer announced it was shutting over a third of its UK shops after it was bought by a new owner. 

Oxford Mail:

Rebecca Feng, who runs the brand’s Chinese franchises, agreed to buy the business through a new company called Byland UK after it went into administration in March. 

The Oxford branch has now been emptied of all of its stock.

The notice in the window states: "This store is now closed. The management and staff thank you for your custom. Your nearest L.K Bennett store is in Bicester.

"Our customer service team is available to help you with your questions, including advice on shipping, returns and exchanges."

The fashion retailer, known for its smart daywear, attracted celebrity fans over its near 30-year history.

More than 100 jobs were at risk due to the nationwide closures. 

When the deal to buy the struggling business was announced in April, the new buyers confirmed gift cards, refunds and orders will be honoured as part of the arrangement.

Ms Feng said at the time: “Under our plan, the business will continue to operate out of the UK, looking to maintain the long-standing and undoubted heritage of the brand."

In January, the Westgate's owners, Land Securities, said it was 95 per cent full after its first full year in operation. 

While shops have generally performed well, the Westgate Social street food area, also on the ground floor, has found it more difficult. 

Three eateries have closed in the dining area in 18 months with occupants complaining that 'no one knows it exists.'

Westgate bosses previously admitted the Social 'had not been the success' that they hoped, and promised to review it.