CARD Factory has confirmed it is set to move from Weaver Square into a larger Barons Quay shop.

The Guardian reported on the planning application last year, and the retailer has now exchanged contracts on a 2,004sq ft store.

It will be close to the new Sports Direct store, which is also set to open in the next few months.

Card Factory joins ASDA, Odeon, Wildwood, H&M and The Entertainer at Barons Quay, which the council says is now operating at 62 per cent capacity.

A Card Factory spokesman said: “We are thrilled to be opening a new Card Factory store in Barons Quay shopping centre and look forward to sharing our fantastic range of cards, gifts, balloons and gift wrap with the shoppers of Northwich.”

Cllr Brian Clarke, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “This is welcome news that the Card Factory is expanding their offer in the town centre, which I know our residents will be pleased to hear.

“Over recent months several new retailers have opened in Barons Quay and we’re in advanced talks with several more businesses so hope to have more great news for the town this year.”

The council recently consulted on plans to redevelop the Weaver Square area as part of the wider regeneration of Northwich town centre.

Card Factory’s relocation will therefore help free up the site as well as providing a new tenant for Barons Quay.

Andrew Milner-Walker, from The Entertainer, added: “Since opening on November 15 in Northwich we've been delighted with our sales results with The Entertainer store significantly outperforming targets.

"With so much negative press around the future of the high street it's fantastic to see such a positive reaction from our customers and we're really looking forward to welcoming new tenants to the area."