The owner of a popular Bolton gift shop says her new outlet in Market Place Shopping Centre had a busy first weekend as she looks towards a promising future at the site.
Michelle Oxford, 47, started Belles of Bolton, which sells handmade gifts and homewares, five years ago, originally as a pop-up store before moving into a unit in Crompton Place.
On Saturday the business reopened in a unit in Market Place due to the plans to demolish Crompton Place and redevelop the area.
The biggest name to make the move to Market Place recently was Primark, which opened its new store last week.
Michelle said: “Forget Primark, come to Belle’s – it’s far prettier!
“I only opened on Saturday and I had a good weekend – footfall was better so I’m hoping that moving will be a success.
“It’s just been quite busy.
“Regulars came to see me, I had gifts brought to me, I had flowers, it was a nice opening.”
On November 16, Michelle paid a heartfelt goodbye to her old store as she closed it for good.
Michelle said: “It’s smaller than my old shop but I actually prefer it smaller. All my stock fits in which I’m quite pleased about.
“I have all my ranges, so I can offer my customers a good range of products.”
Michelle is optimistic about the new store, since she hopes it will be much busier than Crompton Place.
She said: “Especially this Saturday, I’ve had quite a few new customers. This is my first day of a new week opening today and I’ve had all new customers.
“I think it’s just going to take a little bit of time just for people to get to know that I’m here and hopefully with the help of the marketplace.”
READ MORE: Bolton Council hears Crompton Place 'meanwhile use'
READ MORE: Bolton Council report sets out pathway on Crompton Place
Belles is one of a number of businesses to make the move from Crompton Place to Market Place.
The council bought Crompton Place in 2018 with plans to demolish the shopping centre and redevelop it into a mixed-use food and drink and offices scheme.
SpecSavers, the Works and Primark have all relocated from Crompton Place in the last month.
Although demolition is expected this summer, the council still doesn't have a developer in place.
They hope to have one in place before demolition begins.
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