DISCOUNT clothing store TK Maxx is expected to move into the Clarendon Centre in May, it has emerged.

Last year, the chain, which sells discounted designer labels and homeware, announced it would take over the unit vacated by Spanish shopping chain Zara.

The women’s fashion chain switched from the Clarendon Centre to the Westgate Centre in November, leaving the two-storey unit at the Clarendon Centre vacant.

Oxford Mail:

TK Maxx already has a store at Templars shopping park in Cowley selling clothes and homeware and confirmed last year it would open at the Clarendon Centre in the spring.

The centre is run by Lothbury Investment Management.

A spokesman said work to convert the former Zara unit would be completed in March.

He added: "We would expect TKMaxx to move in around mid-May, after completion of their fit out."

ALSO READ: More details about TK Maxx coming to Oxford

One of the Clarendon Centre’s flagship brands is Swedish chain H&M, which has retained its three-storey unit, while opening a smaller branch at the Westgate Centre.

Graham Jones, a spokesman for ROX - Promoting Oxford Businesses - said it was good news that TK Maxx was committed to opening a new store at the Clarendon Centre.

He added: “The Clarendon Centre is in an excellent position right in the heart of the city centre, with a number of entrances including those on Queen Street and Cornmarket Street.

Oxford Mail:

“It has lots of passing trade and I think there are plenty of reasons why the Clarendon Centre should be successful.

“It has big names like H&M and Gap and TK Maxx will be very popular with younger shoppers - it’s a big unit so there should be room to sell homeware as well as clothes.

“It’s possible Zara might one day regret leaving the Clarendon Centre but you can see why the chain decided to go to the Westgate as there are so many fashion chains in one location.”

TK Maxx's Templars Shopping Park outlet is in Between Towns Road, Cowley, and sells clothes and homeware. Labels on sale include Calvin Klein, Nicole Fahri, Kurt Geiger, Damsel In A Dress and Stella McCartney.