The shutters have come down on an Italian supermarket which opened three months ago – but it is not clear if the closure is permanent.

Eat Italiano moved into The Mall in Maidstone in July, replacing the P&R Italian shop, which in turn, had moved into the site vacated by JC Rooks & Sons.

But on Tuesday pictures began to circulate of the deli being closed.

It remains shut today (Friday) – three days later.

There are no notices or posters outside the store to let customers know whether the closure is long-term, and the owner could not be reached.

A spokesman for The Mall said: “Tenant changes and moves are a part of the natural cycle of retailing.

“[But] we do not feel it is appropriate to comment on the situations of individual tenants or their actions.”

The Mediterranean chain sells a range of produce such as artisan pasta and sauces, plus cured meats, cheeses, wines and olives.

Eat Italiano also has another branch at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells.

After seeing pictures emerge online this week, one person said: “[It] was open last week, but barely any stock and just one guy on his phone.

“Once again not supported by passing footfall but expensive due to super high rents.”

JC Rooks and Sons closed its business there after it went into administration in March 2022.

The firm was one of Kent's oldest and biggest butchery firms, with 11 shops across the county and 155 members of staff made redundant.

It had been established for more than 55 years after opening its first butchers in Dover in 1965.

The unit was soon snapped up by the P&R Italian shop, however, which moved in in August last year.

It described itself as “unapologetically expensive” and put a focus on quality imported produce.

To find out has become of other Rooks stores, click here.

At the end of November, the owners said their branches in Sittingbourne and Maidstone would have to be sold due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Eat Italiano replaced it in July.