IT is the end of an era today as Woolworths shuts its doors to customers for the final time.

As reported in The Press, after 84 years trading in the city in Spurriergate, today is the last chance for shoppers to buy a bag of their famous "pic n' mix."

Yesterday some shelves were looking bare as bargain hunters took advantage of the closing down sale with a steady stream of shoppers going in and out of the store.

The retail giant is moving out after landlords Aviva made them an offer to buy the remainder of the lease that they could not refuse.

But despite the 15,000 square foot shop being in one of York's most high-profile shopping streets and in a prime trading location, there is still no concrete information about which trader could be moving in.

The Press has reported how it is strongly rumoured that Boots The Chemist will be taking over the site but the company is still refusing to confirm or deny this.

A spokeswoman said: "Alliance Boots is in the process of a growth strategy and part of that strategy is store location. We will consider any available building that meets our requirement."

Aviva are also remaining tight-lipped about the future of the property, citing confidentiality agreements.

City of York Council, too, is in the dark.

A spokeswoman said: "We understand that discussions about the future of the building are taking place and we hope that it doesn't remain empty for too long with it being such a prominent city centre position."

Coun Steve Galloway, leader of the council and head of economic development, said he was sure the shop would not remain vacant.

Coun Galloway said: "It's always disappointing to see a well-known high street name disappear from the city, but as has been pointed out, this is a prime retail location and I have every confidence the site will continue to be utilised for retail.

"We know there is a long list of chains trying to secure a site in the city and Coney Street would be high on their list and I would be very surprised if we did not see a big name retailer of some sort take over the premises."

Len Cruddas, chairman of North Yorkshire and York Chamber of Commerce, echoed Coun Galloway's comments that it was a shame an iconic brand like Woolworths was leaving but he was sure a prominent retail site like the one in Spurriergate would not remain empty for long.

Woolworths has ten other stores in North Yorkshire - in Selby, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Malton, Scarborough, Whitby, Ripon, Richmond, Skipton and Northallerton.