Monsoon and Accessorize has reopened in Festival Place today.

The popular clothing and accessories store was closed during the pandemic when the company entered administration but the Festival Place branch is set to welcome customers again today, September 16 after renewing its lease.

The store will showcase the brand’s new concept since its acquisition by retail entrepreneur Peter Simon last year.

A spokesman for Monsoon and Accessorize said: “We’re so excited to be reopening our Monsoon & Accessorize Basingstoke stores on Thursday – we’re ready to welcome you back and can’t wait to see you soon.”

Centre Director Neil Churchill said: “This lease renewal is very welcome. It is a sign of real confidence in Festival Place and Basingstoke and reinforces our status as a key retail destination. The Monsoon and Accessorize store is popular with our customers and we are delighted to see them trading once again at Festival Place.”

The retail outlet shut down last year during the pandemic and did not reopen when lockdown restrictions eased.

Earlier this year the Basingstoke branch was cleared of all its stock and remained empty this year.

The reopening comes after the branch was not named as one of the 35 stores which would close for good after the company entered administration in 2020, with 545 staff made redundant.

A deal was agreed to save some of the chain's outlets after Monsoon's founder Peter Simon bought the business out of administration.

Last week, signs also appeared on the windows advertising job vacancies and the store it looks as if it is under going a refit.

Various job adverts for Monsoon and Accessorize in Basingstoke have also been posted online including supervisor and assistant manager.