BRACKNELL'S struggling HMV store has shut up shop after being earmarked for closure last month.

The Charles Square music and DVD store, which employed nine staff, waved goodbye to its last customers yesterday (Thursday).

It is one of 66 loss-marking branches to be shut, following the business going into administration last month.

Gennaro Castaldo, head of PR for the entertainment chain, said that he is "very, very sad" to see the store go.

He told the News: "With a number of the stores Deloitte decided to bring the closure forward. Obviously it's not totally unexpected, it's more or less in the time frame they [Deloitte] spoke about of four-six weeks.

"I met the staff there [at Bracknell] before Christmas and it was a real pleasure, they're a fantastic group of kids and we wish them the very best.

"We'd also like to thank our customers in Bracknell who've shopped with us for years."

Mr Castaldo said although the closure is painful, it has facilitated the continuation of other stores.

He said that HMV and administrators Deloitte should hear news about a buyer for the company within the next "week or so".

How do you feel about the closure? Where will you shop from now on? Email your thoughts to news@bracknellnews.co.uk