Eagle-eyed residents have spotted signs placed in the window of Card Zone in the High Street revealing that Clintons is set to takeover and make a return three years after its previous shop closed.
Rayleigh town councillor Cheryl Roe thinks the plans will go down well with members of the community.
It comes as Clintons in Southend High Street prepares to close its doors for good on January 18.
The company which owns Card Zone, Pillarbox Designs, acquired Clintons as a brand in March and the owners have stated their intention to refurbish some of their existing stores.
Mrs Roe said: “People love businesses like Card Factory but there are those who like Clintons, I like Clintons and I am a card person.
“I like them, and you just get more choice.
“There was a Clintons in the High Street where the new one will be and where Card Zone currently is.
“When it came to Rayleigh originally people were very excited and people were very disappointed when it closed.
“It became Card Zone, which honestly was quite similar and they already sell similar things to Clintons anyway, it was a name change.”
Clintons initially closed in 2022 in Rayleigh High Street, before it was taken over by Card Zone shortly afterwards.
The announcement has sparked excitement on social media, with many residents keen to see Clintons return.
Mrs Roe added: “People do really need them, they sell gifts as well as cards and I am not disappointed by any shape or measure, no one will be annoyed by this.
“People get annoyed about more hairdressers opening and more nail parlours and for me I can’t see people being displeased.
“I am also pleased that it won’t be empty, we are lucky in Rayleigh as we lack empty shops, we have a lovely town.”