Danish-based retail phenomenon Tiger is preparing to open a new store on Tavern Street in the heart of Ipswich.

Tiger, which sells household goods and technology equipment, is due to move into the former USC site next to HMV later this year.

Work to convert the store is now under way and the company is advertising for staff in the town.

Tiger was founded in Copenhagen in 1995 and now has 400 stores across 21 European countries.

It sells household goods, technology accessories, gifts, and a variety of other goods. It is one of the fastest-growing retail groups in the country at present.

Work to fit out the store has been under way this month, and the company is interviewing potential staff members next week.

Tiger is a retailer that already has a store in the region – in the Castle Mall centre in Norwich.

Meanwhile another empty store in Ipswich town centre is also being fitted out ready for a new occupier.

The former River Island store on the junction of Tavern St and St Lawrence Street is currently being fitted out and is expected to open as a discount store within the next few weeks.

Meanwhile work is under way to improve the roof and lighting of the Walk, the town’s oldest shopping precinct which runs from Tavern Street to the Butter Market.

Ipswich Central chief executive Paul Clement said it was good to see investment in town centre shops and its shopping centres.

He said: “All this activity shows that Ipswich is a place that retailers are keen to come to.

“Things are improving in the town centre, and with the investment we are currently seeing I’m sure that will continue over the next few years.”