The cut-price fashion store TK Maxx has signed the contract to move into the Royals Shopping Centre.
The store could be open by spring next year after Royals owners, CIS Ltd, have gutted the food court and gallery shops by February 2000.
Although the agreement will bring a new shopping experience to the town, it has come after several small businesses have been turned out of the Royals to make space for the US-founded chainstore.
A Royals spokesman said: "We are very pleased to have concluded the negotiations. The addition of this retailer will be a huge attraction and will further enhance the Royals and Southend as a major shopping destination."
TK Maxx opened its doors last year in Basildon - the company's 34th UK store. The cost of high street label clothes was slashed by 60 per cent as bulk-buying and a no-frills sales pitch reduce the cost of the average clothes shop.
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