An award-winning fashion chain is preparing to breathe new life into a long-vacant Perth city centre store.
Upmarket retailer Joules has tabled plans to convert the old Austin Reed outlet in St John Street.
The 4,130 sq ft store has stood empty for nearly two years.
Last year, Joules announced it wanted to move into Perth as part of a nationwide expansion plan. It is understood the company had considered taking over the vacant McEwens of Perth department store, also on St John Street, but decided the Austin Reed site was more suitable.
Proposals have now been tabled with Perth and Kinross Council for a new shopfront, as well as a general interior refurbishment. A staircase inside will be removed as part of the work.
A separate display of advertising application has also been submitted for signs outside the building.
No one from the company was available to comment on the move, or say how many jobs will be created.
Austin Reed announced it was shutting its two-storey Perth shop in February 2015 as part of a wider “strategic review”. A spokesman said at the time that it was no longer viable to operate it and another 30 stores, including eight Austin Reeds and 22 Country Casuals.
Joules, which is known for its brightly-coloured continental style clothing, has more than 100 shops across the UK including four Scottish outlets at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews.
The company also offers a range of homeware products.
Joules recently announced upbeat sales with a rise of nearly 23% over the Christmas season.
The firm made £116.4 million in sales throughout 2015.
Perth city centre councillor Pete Barrett said Joules would be a great asset to the area.
“Joules moving in to the St John Street is great news for the city centre,” he said.
“Their new shop will occupy a prime site in St John’s and will drive footfall in the area.
“It will be a very welcome addition to the clothing and fashion offering in Perth. Given the size of the premises I hope that it will offer the full Joules range with men’s, women’s, boys, girls and baby wear.”
The vacant shop is leased out by Glasgow-based owners, Kingfisher Equities.