Zara, one of the world's biggest fashion retailers, with 63 stores in the UK, and another 1,314 around the world,
will open its doors in Swansea in August.
Jobs at the new store are already being advertised.
The opening marks a major milestone for the Princess Way Development on the site of the former David Evans department store.
Experts say its presence in the city centre will help pull in thousands of extra shoppers every year. Zara's prices are towards the mid-range, although the credit crunch has seen it squeeze profits to make sure it hits its market head on. Its market is aimed at the latest trends, catering for women, men and children as a one-stop shopping venue. It is not yet known if the two-storey Swansea base will offer its posh 'Zara Home' interiors brand. But its opening will coincide with the launch of its autumn range.
It will be the second store to open up at the new complex, following in the footsteps of Slater Menswear.
Stylist and designer Emma Sands says its presence in Swansea will help raise its profile as a regional shopping centre. "It is exactly what is needed right now," she said. "A big name is what pulls people in, and you don't get much bigger than Zara these days. For any city to see itself as a regional base it has to have these kind of shops."
The news comes as another High Street clothes store is believed to be ready to announce plans to move into the city centre, in a further boost to Swansea city centre. A second chain selling catwalk trends at affordable prices is thought to be preparing a bid for a new store near to the Princess Way shopping centre.
South Wales Evening Post - 1 July 2009
