AFTER months of anticipation over its opening, a fashion retailer has confirmed it has pulled out of plans to open in Basingstoke.

As previously reported, Festival Place announced last year that Ted Baker would be opening in the shopping centre in ‘early 2023’.

Ted Baker signs were even installed on the outside of an empty unit previously occupied by Joules.

Read more: Festival Place still 'in talks' with Ted Baker to open in shopping centre

However, Ted Baker has now confirmed to the Gazette that it has pulled out of the plans to open in Festival Place.

A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, this will no longer be going ahead. We have no further information on this at present, however, we always recommend keeping an eye on our social media pages and newsletters for all updates from Ted.

“We do apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

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Just last month Festival Pace said it was still “in talks” with Ted Baker to open a store in the centre.

The fashion brand was meant to take over the former Joules shop unit, which closed in Basingstoke in August 2022 after less than three years in the town.

Neil Churchill, centre director of Festival Place, said: "As you know, Ted Baker had planned to open a franchise store at Festival Place this year.

"The franchise company, Aldrich Group, has a number of stores across the UK. They have now entered into a CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement).

"Sadly, this has threatened the future of our Basingstoke store and it is unlikely to open in the foreseeable future.

"Obviously this is disappointing, but we have been working behind the scenes to try to resurrect this tenancy."