Hosiery and beachwear retailer Calzedonia is to expand across the UK as it signs for a store in The City of London.

The Italian retailer has taken a 10 year-lease at 139 Cheapside in the City of London. The 1,304 sqft store will open in early 2012 and marks the start of a UK store roll-out.

In June, Calzedonia tasked commercial real estate brokers and consultants Cushman & Wakefield to acquire five stores in the capital, with a view to then rolling out the brand across the UK.

Calzedonia, which has more than 1,300 stores across Europe, Asia and Central America, was founded in 1987 in Vallese di Oppeano, Italy.

Duncan Gilliar, senior surveyor at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “The acquisition is a sign of improving retailer demand for the City of London, aided by the opening of Land Securities One New Change Shopping Centre, directly opposite 139 Cheapside.”