UPMARKET department store Harvey Nichols has confirmed it is opening a shop in Liverpool One.

The Post revealed last month that the chain was  to move into the former Habitat store in Liverpool One.

Today it confirmed it would be opening a “new concept, small format store” in that shop later this year.

Harvey Nichols currently has a temporary “pop-up” food store  in Liverpool One. The company says that venture has been a “great success” and paved the way for a permanent store.

Joseph Wan, chief executive at Harvey Nichols, said: “Liverpool One is the number one shopping destination at the heart of this great city.

"Liverpool One serves a large catchment area, with a loyal and discerning customer, and there is no better place from which to launch this exciting new concept.”

The group said it would reveal more details of its plans for the 22,000 sqft store in Peter’s Lane in spring. It is set to open in autumn.

Miles Dunnett, head of asset management at Grosvenor Liverpool Fund, said: “There is no better testament to the success of Liverpool One, and indeed Liverpool, than Harvey Nichols’ decision to choose it for this new-format store.

“This is the crowning glory of a very successful year for Liverpool ONE.  Footfall for 2011 was up by more than 5% compared to 2010, and sales have increased by over 10% for the year. 

“According to a report by independent research firm, Javelin, more people than ever before from across the North West are visiting Liverpool One as their first choice shopping destination, increasing the total catchment by 27% on the previous year.”

More than 950,000 people visited Liverpool One in the week before Christmas, representing a 30% increase on the previous year.