Despite assurances that no stores in Wales were earmarked for closure, Debenhams has announced one Welsh shop will shut this Autumn.
Its department store in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire , is set to close its doors in November with 45 staff losing their jobs.
The store was not among the 22 shops Debenhams said would close as part of plans to revive the chain in April 2019, after the retailer stated it was going into administration.
In April, the company said it would be undertaking a review of their stores, which, if approved, would result in store closures to help reduce “rent burden”. Debenhams said nearly half of its 50 stores were lined up for closure, but none of those were in Wales.
Announcing the latest closure, the company said it had hoped to stay in Haverfordwest but the landlord "decided to use the space for other purposes".
A spokesman said: "Following the decision to redevelop the site, our store will close in November. We are keeping our colleagues and customers informed and thank them for their understanding.
"We had hoped to keep the store open, but the landlord has decided to use the space for other purposes. The nearest Debenhams store will now be at Carmarthen."
New owners, including Barclays and Bank of Ireland, took on the chain in April in a bid to turn its fortunes around.
At the time, Terry Duddy, Debenhams’ chairman, said: “We remain focused on protecting as many stores and jobs as possible, consistent with establishing a sustainable store portfolio in line with our previous guidance.”
Paul Davies, Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, warned that the closure would have a detrimental impact on the local economy.
Mr Davies said that the decision to close the store was a disappointing one and the loss of jobs would be a blow. He said: “I’m saddened to hear that Debenhams will be closing its Haverfordwest store in November as the store is a valued employer in the local area.
“The store provided local jobs and was a benefit to the local community. I will of course, make representations to Debenhams to ascertain some of the details around the decision-making that has led to this closure, as well as asking about support for those employees affected by this announcement.
“It’s vital that moving forward, those affected by this news are supported as much as possible.”
