BIG-NAME retailers have snapped up the last two stores in the new £70million shopping and flats complex opposite Buchanan Galleries.

South California sports footwear firm Vans – a favourite with stars such as Miley Cyrus and Ryan Reynolds –will see the opening of its first Scottish outlet.

Bicycle firm Evans Cycles – which has been working with Sir Chris Hoy on his new range of bikes – will add to the store it already has at Braehead.

The nine shops, which form part of the Buchanan Quarter development, will result in 200 new jobs with US clothing store Forever 21 employing more than 100.

The majority of the stores, which also include Paperchase, Gap, Fat Face, Skechers, Office and Watches of Switzerland, are to open on March 22.

The Evening Times revealed last week that more than 1000 house hunters have expressed an interest in buying up one of the 49 flats in the development.

Erin James, of Vans, said: "We are excited to be a part of the Buchanan Street project and look forward to opening our first Vans store in Scotland."

Mike Hedgecox, of Evans Cycles, said: "We have been looking for a suitable city- centre store in Glasgow for some time and are delighted to have secured a unit at 185-221 Buchanan Street.

"Our store will offer a full range of bikes, clothing, parts and accessories for riders of all abilities.

"In addition, we will open an in-store workshop capable of completing all minor repairs for customers as well as more specialist maintenance jobs. All repairs are carried out by our own trained mechanics.

"We are excited at welcoming our new customers and sharing our passion for cycling with them."

The new retail and housing complex has been built by Land Securities, and development director Nick Davis said: "Buchanan Street is one of the top shopping streets in Europe and demand for space has been extremely strong.

"We are delighted to have attracted Vans and Evans Cycles to Glasgow city centre for the first time.

"The addition of these two major brands underlines the strength of Glasgow's reputation as one of the UK's most successful retail destinations and will further enhance Buchanan Street's shopping offer."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk