A closing-down sale is underway as sports retailer Decathlon is set to shut its only Kent branch.

It will vacate the space it has occupied for three years on the top floor of the Tesco Extra superstore in Broadstairs next week.

Bosses say the closure is part of an ongoing review of their network of shops, which aims to “enhance the customer experience”.

The Broadstairs branch will shut for the final time on Monday, February 17.

Now Kent residents will have to travel over the Essex border to the Tunnel Estate Retail Park in West Thurrock, near Lakeside, for the closest alternative store.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Decathlon said: “It was not an easy decision to close our Broadstairs store, which has proudly served the local community for over three years.

“This closure is part of Decathlon’s ongoing review of its store network, following last year’s brand refresh and significant investment in modernising a number of stores across the UK to enhance the customer experience.”

It is currently unknown how many jobs will be impacted by the closure of the branch.

The spokesperson added: “Our priority now is to support our team members during this transition and offer new roles within Decathlon should they wish to continue with us.

“While our Broadstairs store is closing, we’re excited to welcome shoppers to the Decathlon community through our app.”

They added that customers can still have products delivered to their homes or local pick-up points.

Decathlon first took over the 12,000 sq ft site on July 15, 2021, representing their first and only Kent store.

It featured a workshop for servicing and repairing bikes.

It was their second concession in a Tesco supermarket following the launch of Decathlon Culverhouse Cross in Wales.

The international retailer, founded in 1976, has 2,080 stores in 56 countries across the globe.