Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 08 May 2008

A NEW ladieswear shop has opened in Workington.

The Collection, on Wilson Street, is owned by Alice Turner who bought the shop intending to sell mother-of-the-groom and bride attire.

But within the short time the shop has been open, Ms Turner has expanded to stock shoes and accessories.

“Business was great from the moment we opened," Ms Turner said.

“I originally intended the shop to sell mother-of-the-bride outfits but we found people were looking for general occasion wear and prom attire as well.

“My customers also wanted hats and shoes to complete their full outfits so I had to expand my stock to meet the demand.”

The Collection was originally based in Cockermouth but the move to larger premises on Wilson Street has meant an opportunity to extend stock and be closer to Workington's town centre development.

Ms Turner, 25, added: “It’s a great location to have a business; apart from the fact we're right across the road from the town's main shopping precinct, the shop itself is synonymous with ladieswear.”

With help from family and friends, she refurbished the premises but kept a lot of the shop's original features.

She added: “We have a separate changing area upstairs where customers, such as mothers of the bride, can take their time and try on outfits at their own leisure without being disturbed by other customers.

“Me and my colleague, Leanne Heron can spend as much time with our customers as necessary and give them our undivided attention."

With her recent business venture, Ms Turner is continuing a family tradition. Her mother was the owner of a Wigton hat shop and her siblings own a bridal wear and men's suit business in Cockermouth.