Top fashion retailer opening in Colchester

Republic, which has more than 100 outlets nationwide, wants to move into the 5,000 sq ft former Zavvi store in Culver Square, which closed in February last year.

The chain has already started recruiting supervisors, along with a store manager and deputy, ahead of the planned opening launch next month.

Zelta Denham, spokeswoman for Republic, said the firm planned to open in the week beginning May 24.

Nick Barlow, the councillor responsible for business on Colchester Council, said: “We’re very happy that another major name wants to take over a big shop in the town centre.

“We hope it will drive more people into Colchester and help all of our shops grow.”

Derek Ashbee, manager of Culver Square, cautioned no deal had been signed with Republic.

He said: “It’s good news that they’re that positive about coming to Colchester. I think it’s good for the town.

“I think there’s a little bit more work to be done before we can say they’re coming to Culver Square.”

Mr Ashbee said a number of retailers interested in moving into the former Zavvi outlet had come forward in the past two months.

He said H&M moving into the former Woolworths site next door, last month, had been a boost.

He added: “Clearly it’s a lot more desirable now H&M are trading.

“We’ve had several people look at the unit and several people have been interested in it.”

It will be the town’s first Republic branch, with customers currently travelling to stores in Chelmsford or Ipswich.

A Colchester Council report last year revealed the amount spent in the town centre had dropped by £16million to £550million in three years, at the same time as spending in Chelmsford and Ipswich had increased dramatically. In 2007, £390million was spent in Ipswich and £340million in Chelmsford. But this has increased to £500million in both towns, placing them just behind Colchester in the rankings.

A survey published in February revealed 12.1 per cent – nearly one in eight – shop units in Colchester were vacant.

The study revealed a 9.1 per cent vacancy rate in Ipswich and a rate of 7.6 per cent in Chelmsford.

Keith Brown, Essex Federation of Small Businesses regional organiser, said any new businesses opening would be good news for all retailers in Colchester.

He added: “What now needs to be done is for Colchester Council to take action to attract more visitors and encourage people to shop in Colchester, rather than in Ipswich or Chelmsford.

“The council has recently received more than £70,000 in a Local Authority Business Growth Incentive grant, and we would like to see some of that used to reduce parking charges so visitors are encouraged to stay longer in Colchester.”