Fabb Sofas, the new retailer backed by DFS founder Lord Kirkham, will take over a site previously occupied by BHS in Nottingham.
The sofa and upholstery business, which is set to open its first store in the coming weeks at Hedge End retail park in Southampton, has secured the lease for an outlet in Giltbrook retail park.
Property agent Wilkinson Williams confirmed Fabb Sofas would occupy the 30,000 sq ft unit, scheduled to open in the autumn.
Kirkham – who is preparing to go toe-to-toe with DFS, the furniture retailer he set up in 1969 – is also believed to have secured sites at Purley Way retail park, Croydon, and Straiton retail park, Edinburgh.
The company is reportedly closing in on more store locations using property specialist Harvey Spack Field.
Earlier this year, former Austin Reed finance boss Alan Charlton joined Fabb Sofas as chief operating officer. Kirkham also raided his former business for talent, poaching several top DFS directors to head his new venture.
Details of Kirkham’s new venture were first revealed by Retail Week in March.
The retail veteran, who made a “bittersweet” exit from DFS in 2010, has also invested in Tapi Carpets & Floors, the new floorings chain founded by son of Carpetright founder Martin Harris.
Kirkham could not be reached for comment.
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