A SHOP in Hereford's Old Market is to close this weekend.

L'Occitane En Provence is a France-based chain selling skincare, bath and hair products, many of which are made with natural ingredients. 

But it will be closing this Saturday (March 9), the day before Mother's Day. 

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Opening on May 1, 2014, L'Occitane En Provence was one of the founding shops in the Old Market. 

But its closure means that it will be one of many shops that have shut at the Old Market over the years. 

Debenhams was its most high-profile casualty, departing in 2021. Other closures include Topshop, which is now Mountain Warehouse, Swarovski, and Paperchase, which has since turned into MenKind. 

Hereford Times: Shoppers flock to L'Occitane En Provence on its opening day in 2014Shoppers flock to L'Occitane En Provence on its opening day in 2014

As well as several high-street shops, Old Market is also home to many restaurants. 

Franky & Benny's, which opened in 2004, also closed in 2020, as did the Old Market's Prezzo and Chimichanga restaurants in 2018.

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However, local businesses have taken full advantage of the closures of several of the chain restaurants at the Old Market, with the former Frankie and Benny's unit being taken over by the runaway local success, Beefy Boys. 

The Beefy Boys now have a total of three restaurants, including their flagship Hereford restaurant.

Talking to the Hereford Times, The Beefy Boys' Anthony 'Murf' Murphy said: "As long-term tenants at the Old Market, we've been lucky to see our trade increase to the highest it's ever been with the Old Market centre still being a real hub for not only national chains but local operators.

"The trade is there but it's obviously far harder for retail to thrive than it is for hospitality."