A SPECIALIST fashion retailer has signed a £1.2million contract to open a store in Glasgow city centre.
Joy has agreed a 10-year lease at £120,000 a year for the Buchanan Galleries.
The development will cover 2290 square feet and be housed in the units previously occupied by Streat.
The company will offer a line of hand-picked brands, with a limited run of each design, including the exclusive Louche label – a favourite of television presenter Holly Willoughby and film star Keira Knightley.
As well as clothing, Joy is also known for its line of quirky accessories and gifts, including homeware and toys.
The opening will mean a return to the city for the company.
It previously operated an outlet in Queen Street, but that closed in 2008 as the company was hit by the recession and temporarily entered administration.
A second store in East Kilbride shopping centre closed in 2009.
Maureen O'Brien, creative director at Joy, said: "We have been looking for the right location in Glasgow for some time as we are keen to take advantage of the impressive retail and rich cultural scene in Scotland's biggest city.
"We are excited to have finally found a prime retail space."
It is expected the store will open on August 16.
The opening will come as a boost for the mall's owner, Buchanan Partnership, as it presses forward with construction of the new Buchanan Quarter shopping and residential development opposite the mall.
Katherine Armstead, senior portfolio manager for Buchanan Partnership, thinks the new store will further boost the centre's reputation as one of the country's top shopping hot spots.
She said: "Buchanan Galleries prides itself in having a diverse range of retailers that will appeal to all our shoppers.
"The arrival of Joy is an exciting addition to the centre and builds on the fantastic fashion offering already available at the centre, giving our shoppers yet another top name to choose from when they visit.
"Joy will be in a prime location and we are sure it will be popular with shoppers."
chris.taylor@ heraldandtimes.co.uk
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