POPULAR discount shop Thing-Me-Bobs is set to close as part of a merger with another store in Clacton.

The shop, in West Avenue, will close on December 23 and will be merged into the town’s QD store.

QD Stores, which already owns Thing-Me-Bobs, said the shop will close because its lease is expiring.

It said business will be be transferred to the larger QD store in Rosemary Road.

Chris Meale, operations manager for both stores, said: “We’re really sorry we’re leaving the West Avenue store, but the lease expires just before Christmas, access to the store is not as good as we would like it to be and it has not been trading profitably for us.

“However, we’re delighted to be transferring the business to the existing QD store in Rosemary Road, where we have exciting plans for 2018.

“We look forward to welcoming Thing-Me-Bobs customers there.”

A spokesman said QD Stores is currently rolling out a brand new look both inside and outside its stores across the country and the Clacton store will be completely refurbished next year.

Matt Atkins, manager of the QD store in Clacton, said: “The refurbished QD stores that have already been completed look amazing and they are proving hugely popular with our customers.

“So I’m really excited about the new look which will be coming to Clacton next year, which will also mean even more great value deals and bigger ranges across the store. Plus, with free car parking at the store, it’s a very convenient destination.”

A spokesman for QD said all members of staff at Thing-Me-Bobs were offered new jobs at the QD shop.