BUDGET fashion giant Primark will open its Derby store on

July 31.

The company has been refurbishing the former Marks and

Spencer store in the Corn Market since January and will soon be

ready for customers.

John Forkin, of Marketing Derby, the company set up to

attract inward investment, said he was delighted the store

would be opening so soon.

“Primark are an important retailer, popular with customers

and retailers alike.

“They are a destination store and will revitalise the

shopping area between Westfield and the Cathedral Quarter.

“The opening of Primark and the proposed Tesco Express store

will hopefully make other retailers consider locating in our

city.”

The Tesco Express store is planned for the other Marks and

Spencer site in St Peter's Street.

Both became vacant when Marks and Spencer relocated to the

Westfield centre in October.

A charm offensive was launched on Primark by Derby City

Council and Marketing Derby last year to woo the company.

And it confirmed in December last year that it hoped to have

its store open in late summer 2008.

The company started recruiting staff in May to fill its

300-strong team and is finalising training ready for

opening.