CLOTHING retailer Joules has confirmed it will open a new store in Ringwood – directly next door to its former shop.

Joules bid a short farewell to The Furlong shopping centre on July 14 ahead of re-opening in the neighbouring unit on Thursday, August 17.

Its former store will be taken over by luxury lifestyle brand The White Company which is to open its first store in the New Forest next month.

Dog-friendly Joules will occupy the shop unit last used by Paperchase.

Joules’ presence in Ringwood recently survived a cull of 19 other branches nationwide after the brand fell into administration last year.

The company was bought out of administration by Next, which saved 100 of its stores including the Ringwood shop.

Ahead of the move, Joules founder and chief brand officer Tom Joule said: “We’re thrilled to be opening a new Joules store in The Furlong in Ringwood.

“We’ve loved being in this great location for a while and we can’t wait to open the doors of our newest store.”

Originally established as Joule & Sons in 1977 by Ian Joule, his son Tom took over the business in 1989.

He rebranded as Joules in 1994 and helped grow the business into a multi-million pound national retailer.