VICTOR HARBOR - It is just over six weeks until Big W opens its doors to Victor Harbor, with the first day of trading for the discount department store schedule for April 22.

Big W was handed the keys to the new premises in the revamped complex at the start of February to start fitting out the store in preparation for opening.

The company has recruited employees who will start work in early April.

Tenants for the remainder of the expanded Victor Central mall are currently being finalised by Victor Harbor Property Investments (VHPI).

Lachlan Perks of VHPI said they hope to have another couple of specialty stores opening at the same time as Big W, with the majority of new stores to be up and running by July 1.

Several franchises have advertised in The Times in the past month, presenting business opportunities within the new mall.

These include Baskin Robbins ice cream, Michel's Patisserie, Donut King and Kenny's Cardiology - card and gift retailer.

Mr Perks said VHPI has a lot of in-principle deals, which will be finalised in the coming week.

Among the new retailers will be Dick Smith electronics, while there will be changes of location for some existing tenants

Chit Chat Newsagency will retain half of its old premises and will expand into the space currently occupied by Betts, while Victor Harbor Chemplus will extend its premises to the other half of the old newsagency.

Betts will relocate to one of the new specialty stores in the extended part of the centre.

"There will be a central court with more of a food section focusing on fresh produce, and what we are trying to really do is create the mall through to Big W as a fashion precinct," Mr Perks said.

The undercroft car park, which caters for nearly 250 vehicles, will open and be available for use at the same time as Big W begins trading.