Luxury clothing store to open in former Sunderland Primark

Flannels has announced it will open a new store in Fawcett Street this summer, selling contemporary men's and women's designer clothing, footwear and accessories.

It will open on the former Primark site, which has been empty since the chain moved to The Bridges in 2012, and will specialise in high end brands such as Paul Smith, Hugo Boss, Alexander McQueen, Moschino, Polo Ralph Lauren, Vivienne Westwood, Belstaff and Kenzo

A spokesperson for the Flannels Group has said: “We cannot wait to open in Sunderland and meet our new customers in Wearside.

“This is an exciting new project and a great step forward for the company. We are looking forward to opening a store in Wearside. Flannels strives to bring luxury shopping to the UK and this will mean the people of Sunderland will be able to buy some of the most recognisable designer products.”

Work is under way to transform the new 16,000 square foot store, which will have a clean, contemporary, minimalist design, in keeping with the chain's other stores.

Shoppers will also be able to enjoy a personal shopping service at the new store.

Flannels has recently opened a new branch in Plymouth and also has stores in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Nottingham and Cardiff.

The first Flannels store opened in Knutsford, Cheshire in 1976 and since then the company has successfully introduced designer fashion largely to the North West and Midlandsregions.

Flannels was founded by Neil Prosser and has a brand portfolio including Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Moncler, Jimmy Choo, Stone Island and Kenzo.