The £1.9 million takeover of one of Worthing's oldest department stores will be complete in less than two weeks.

Bentalls in Worthing is due to close on March 10 and reopen on March 12 as Beales.

But the new bosses say shoppers will see little difference other than the name above the door because the stores share similar traditions.

Nigel Beale, deputy chairman of the Bournemouth-based Beale group, said: "The Beale and Bentall families go back a long way.

"We share philosophies on staff and customer care and we at Beales have great respect for the Bentalls' traditions.

"We are excited about the prospect of coming to Worthing and very much look forward to becoming part of the community."

The deal was announced by the Beale group on February 11.

With the acquisition of the Worthing store, Beales will operate 10 stores across England. The group was founded in 1881.