CLOTHING company Fashion Direct is the new tenant for the former Woolworths store in Tavistock.
The Bude-based retailer, which also has a store in West Street, aims to open the shop in June after a refit.
Managing director Nigel Kingscott said the move to the prime town centre location in Brook Street would enable Fashion Direct to extend its ranges and give its customers more choice.
The company will retain its store in West Street and plans to employ a further 12 members of staff.
'The main interest as far as Tavistock is concerned is that we will be stocking Clarks shoes and that includes children's shoes,' he said.
Mr Kingscott said as well as increasing the clothing ranges there would be other items including confectionary with a 'Pick N' Mix' and gift items.
Fashion Direct has traded in Tavistock for 12 years. It also has two shops in Bude.
The managing director added: 'This is an important development as it returns a prime site unit back to a more individual retailer thus keeping a balance between multiples and independents.'
l The Woolworths store closed in January and was marketed by agents Alder King at the beginning of February.
A spokesman for the Alder King told the Times recently that to secure a new tenant in three months was 'absolutely remarkable' given the current economic climate.
He said it spoke volumes for the demand and the viability that was perceived for a town like Tavistock.
'It is a precious little place that people want to be part of,' he said.