A number of big name brands are set to open new shops in Colchester in the coming months.

We have also seen other stores open their doors in recent weeks.

Here we look at the latest shops set for the town.

New B&Q

B&Q is set to open its new Stanway store later this month.

The DIY giant will be moving to its new home at the £60 million Stane Retail Park on Friday October 22.

It has been confirmed the firm's existing store, in Lightship Way, will close to shoppers on Thursday October 21.

The opening has been delayed from October 8 after developer Churchmanor Estates had issues with supply.

Read more >> Date for new Colchester B&Q store to open is confirmed

Emson Haig

The luxury jewellery store has received planning permission from Colchester Council to revamp a vacant unit, the former home of the town's Oasis clothing store, which has been empty since 2017.

Plans include installing a new Portland stone store front with framed windows, fascias and store risers in an anodised metal finish.

New security glazing will be installed, with brand names for Emson Haig and Rolex applied to the frontage.

Emson Haig is an independent jeweller which set up its first store 25-years-ago at Lakeside.

Read more >> Luxury jewellers to open new High Street store as revamp plans are approved

M&S Foodhall

Colchester’s first M&S Foodhall will open in “early 2022” as the third flagship store for the Stane Park retail development.

Aldi

The new Aldi supermarket on the Stane Park site will is set to open in November, with the brand also relocating from its smaller shop in nearby London Road.

Lidl

Supermarket giant Lidl announced when its new store in Colchester could finally open.

Work has begun to furnish the inside of the long-awaited supermarket at Colchester’s former Homebase site.

The final works at the store are expected to take six months with a view to opening this winter.

It is predicted the store will create about 40 jobs when it opens its doors and the 1,370m² shop will feature an in-store bakery and ample parking.

Subway and Costa

Both brands are due to open in units at the former Homebase store alongside Lidl.

Matha Supermarket

A new world food supermarket has opened inside the old home of Poundland at a Colchester retail park.

Matha Supermarket opened it second store in Essex at Colchester Retail Park, in Sheepen Road.

A planning application has been submitted to replace the signage on the unit in preparation for the new store to open.

The retail park's website says the new store is set to be open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm.