House of Fraser said yesterday it will close London department store Barkers after 135 years of trading

The Kensington store, known for its designer clothing, will be replaced next year by US company Whole Foods Market, which specialises in organic and natural foods.

Yesterday's announcement came two months after House of Fraser revealed that it plans to close London's Dickins and Jones department store, in January.

A spokesman for House of Fraser, which has a store at the MetroCentre and owns Binns in Middlesbrough and Darlington, said the London store did not fit in with its portfolio.

He said the company had a strong store opening programme, having recently announced plans to snap up rival chain Beatties