A NEW shoe shop is set to open in Bournemouth this month - almost a year after the unit's former leaseholders decided to vacate the property.

German brand Deichmann is to take on the former Next store in Commercial Road.

The 468 m² unit is currently undergoing a £500,000 refurbishment ahead of the opening on November 22.

Next closed in January at around the same time as the former branch of Miss Selfridge by Debenhams in the Square.

The unit formerly taken by Miss Selfridge was filled during the summer with the arrival of sandwich brand Pret a Manger.

Deichmann, which has 3,700 stores around the world, sells shoes for men, women and children, as well as bags and accessories.

The company had just under 100 United Kingdom stores at the end of 2016 as well as branches in 24 other countries.

In total, 15 permanent jobs - including supervisor positions and shop floor and cashier roles - will be created through the company's launch in Bournemouth.

Samantha Cunningham, store manager of the Bournemouth branch, said: “We’re really excited to be opening our doors on November 22 in Bournemouth and are thrilled to have been able to help create some new local jobs.

“We’re looking forward to getting to know all the local shoppers and hopefully becoming a well-loved fixture on the High Street.”

The first 25 customers to visit the new branch will be given free shoes up to the value of £25. Staff will also offer limited edition bags featuring Bournemouth Pier to the first 500 customers, Samantha said.

For more information about Deichmann, visit deichmann.com