Fresh Potteries Centre blow as big-name shop shuts today

Fashion store USC is shutting its only Stoke-on-Trent branch later today. The retailer has been staging a closing down sale inside The Potteries Centre, in Hanley, for weeks and had been expected to stay open until Friday 14 June.

But the closure date has now been brought forward to Saturday 8 June. Signs in the windows yesterday stated: "One day to go."

The latest closure comes as Stoke City and American sportswear retailer Lids have already shut their Potteries Centre stores this year. But The Potteries Centre remains bullish - despite the latest closure.

A Potteries Centre spokesman said: “We are disappointed to hear that USC at The Potteries Centre is closing down. This is a commercial decision taken by the brand. We wish their staff well. We are always working hard to refresh our store line-up with new and exciting retailers to give our visitors the best possible shopping experience."

If you're on the lookout for local news, we have you covered with our FREE email newsletter - sign up in the box at the top of this story or click here.