DUNNES Stores is to reopen its high-profile store on Dublin’s Grafton Street after being closed for almost 20 months.

The company has been refurbishing the building in recent weeks and is understood to be planning to restock it with women’s fashion goods by Savida. There will also be a separate department specialising in homewares by Paul Costello.

Earlier this year, agents for the entertainment giant Disney offered to rent the Grafton Street building but were apparently rebuffed by the Dunne family. Had they rented, they could have expected an income of more than €1 million a year.

Dunnes also ceased trading early last year from a large home furnishing store which forms part of the company’s headquarters on South Great George’s Street. It also launched a marketing campaign to let five adjoining shops but did not proceed with the plan.