TONI&GUY bosses have blamed increased rents for the closure of their hair salon at intu Merry Hill.

Customers received text message notifications last week informing them of the store's closure.

Based on the upper mall opposite Waterstones since 2006, the popular salon shut up shop on March 31.

A spokesman for TONI&GUY said: "Closing a salon is never a decision taken lightly but due to increased rents in the area and our lease coming to the end of its term, the decision was made to close the salon.

"All staff have been offered suitable positions at neighbouring salons and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our many clients over the past ten years for their loyalty and hope to be able to offer them a discount on visiting their nearest salon."

Lizbeth Taylor, general manager from intu Merry Hill, said: “We are always working hard to refresh our store line-up with new and exciting retailers to give our customers the best possible shopping experience.

"We’re disappointed to hear that Toni and Guy has closed down. This is a decision that has been taken by Toni and Guy and we wish their staff well."