Fashion store opens in Chester’s former Zavvi outlet

Sep 16 2009 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

MEN and women’s fashion chain Republic is opening its 100th store in Chester today (Thursday).

The Leeds-based company has moved into the former Zavvi music outlet in Foregate Street following a refit.

Chief executive Tim Whitworth said: “Improving the accessibility of our offer and creating employment opportunities for many more people both within the business and alongside our extended partners has to be great news.”

Republic started life in 1986 as a men’s denim only retailer, trading from a single store in Leeds.

Republic says its clothing appeals to the 16-25 year-old market but “caters to a much wider customer base”. The stores are said to attract “a wide range of different fashion tribes” from surfer/skater types and twenty-something casuals to “brand junkies” and “fashion fillies”.

Republic also stocks brands including G-Star, Bench, Henleys and Fenchurch plus three exclusive brands Miso, SoulCal and Crafted.

The Chester Zavvi outlet, previously a Virgin Megastore, closed earlier this year with the loss of 22 jobs.