A popular furniture store will open its doors to customers for the last time today.

Lincoln Furniture Warehouse, otherwise known as the Big Yellow Building in St Peter's Street, Maidstone, has been based in the town for 16 years but its owner said increased competition and a plan to build a supermarket next to its premises was the reason for its closure.

For the past two days the store has seen customers queuing deep into its car park as it lowers prices to get rid of all its stock.

Steve Swan, managing director and a 50% shareholder of the business, said: “When there’s going to be a supermarket built on the side there’s no long term future for the business.

“We did look at other sites, including one in Aylesford in Quarry Wood but Oak Furniture Land are opening there, which is a national competitor.

“We have had a good run. Our managers were given the final decision and they made the decision to close. We are upbeat and 100% solvent.”

Tomorrow and on Sunday the store plans to have a huge clearance sale, with a minimum of 20% taken off all stock.

It will be open from 9am to 5.30pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Customers place an order this weekend must be able to take delivery by Friday, March 13.