GO Outdoors will open 'early next year' in an empty unit previously occupied by John Lewis, according to the company.

The retailer, which sells tents, clothing and equipment for outdoor activities including cycling, hiking and more will take over the shop in Basing View.

As previously reported, John Lewis vacated the building at the store next to Eastrop roundabout in 2021, as part of the retailer's decision to close eight shops after the Covid-19 pandemic.

READ MORE: Empty John Lewis unit in Basing View to reopen after being taken on by new retailer

The decision was made to 'reflect changing ways of customers shopping' according to the company, which said it expected 60-70 per cent of sales would be made online in the future.

The store had previously confirmed that it would be opening in the unit after it submitted a planning application to replace signage on the store's exterior, however, the opening date had not been set. 

The application, currently under review by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, proposes the installation of illuminated signs on the outside of the building.

The building's signage, which was erected in 2015 as a purpose-built Waitrose and John Lewis flagship store, could be replaced to read 'GO Outdoors' instead of 'John Lewis'.

SEE ALSO: Retail park space listed for leasehold sale after business' planned relocation

GO Outdoors, which is owned by fashion retail company JD Sports, already has a superstore in the town in Chineham, which opened in Gaston's Wood retail park in 2009.

However, the branch will be closed to make way for the company's new store, it was confirmed, after the building was put up for leasehold by real estate agent Morgan Williams.

A spokesperson for GO Outdoors told the Gazette that it will be moving to the old John Lewis site, adding that a specific date for the opening of the store is 'to be confirmed' but they 'expect it to be early next year'.

The closing date for the Chineham branch has not yet been announced by the retailer.