A HIGH Street shop selling women's clothing has closed down in Winchester.

Hobbs, which describes its merchandise as "women's clothing and elegant occasionwear", has branches nationwide, including in West Quay shopping centre, Southampton, and Ringwood.

The chain is owned by fashion retail group TFG London, whose portfolio also includes Phase Eight, Whistles, Damsel in a Dress and Studio 8.

The Winchester branch of Phase Eight was another recent closure on the city's High Street. The unit will soon be open as a branch of The Cornish Bakery.

READ MORE: Plans submitted for former Phase Eight unit in Winchester city centre

The sign announcing the store's closure in Hobbs' shopfront (Image: Kimberley Barber) The news comes after a spate of shop closures in Winchester city centre, which has seen the closure of Bell Fine Art, Ecco, Mooch, Phase Eight and others in recent months.

Also, the refurbishments at the unit of the former Debenhams store on the High Street are gathering pace.

It has been confirmed that Pizza Express, Nando's and Five Guys will move into the building to form a trio of national fast-food restaurant chains.

The Chronicle has approached Hobbs for comment.