TWO music retailers in Southampton are to close because of the slump in CD sales.

Fopp is shutting its stores in East Street and in the Marlands Shopping Centre as part of the closure of all of its 105 shops nationwide.

A company spokesman said: "It is with great regret that we announce the closure of Fopp. We would like to thank staff and customers for their support over the past 25 years."

Fopp has said that while it was profitable and well regarded the company, which is known for selling cheap CDs, DVDs and books, had failed to gain support from stakeholders and suppliers.

The company has also been in talks with its bankers, HBOS, about its future.

It has called in the accounting firm Ernst & Young as administrators.

"The stores have been closed by management and shop staff sent home," said Colin Dempster, one of the joint administrators at Ernst & Young.

"We are currently assessing the financial position of the companies; once this has been completed we will have a better idea of the future of the businesses."

It is understood that staff will not receive their salary this month after the stores closed on Friday.

The music chain is the latest high street victim to be hit by the rise of supermarkets and online retailers selling cut price CDs and DVDs, as well as the increasing popularity of downloading music from the Internet.

It is also understood that Fopp's purchase of 67 stores from the administrator of music retailer Music Zone had put pressure on the firm's cash flow.

Music retail giant HMV announced last week that its annual profits had more than halved due to similar pressures.