Forever 21 has confirmed it is to extend its flagship store on Oxford Street, with the new space expected to open by autumn/ winter 2012.

It emerged last week that Forever 21 had signed a deal to acquire the adjacent store on the street currently occupied by Desigual. The deal adds a further 7,000 sq ft to the existing 33,000 sq ft Forever 21 store, which opened last year.

The move comes after the retailer decided to downsize its Birmingham Bull Ring store, which was the first of its stores to open in 2010.

Forever 21 executive vice president Larry Meyer said: “Our Oxford Street store has proved to be a hit with London shoppers who are serious about fashion. Forever 21 is all about delivering the latest looks to the high street daily and this means we need to ensure we have the necessary square footage in place to meet demand.”

Forever 21, which operates over 480 stores in the US, debuted in the UK in November 2010 and currently operates stores in Dublin, Birmingham, London Oxford Street and London Westfield Stratford City.

More stores are planned for Lakeside, Bluewater, and Manchester Trafford Centre.

Property agent Harper Dennis Hobbs acts for the retailer.