By Pam McClounie City centre reporter

Last updated at 11:15, Saturday, 10 November 2012

Two new shops are opening in Carlisle city centre before Christmas.

Chloe’s Closet – a children’s clothing boutique – opens in the former Piers Christian shop on Fisher Street/Treasury Court today.

And a sweet and gift shop called Grandma’s Treats is opening in the former Benetton store at Greenmarket .

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city centre two shops are temporarily closed for refurbishments to take place.

The Aga shop on Lowther Street closed its doors on Monday and will re-open on November 29.

Workmen are inside the building carrying out the transformation which is said to be costing thousands of pounds.

Manager Claire Bonfield, who has worked at the shop for two years, said: “It’s really nice that, in the current economic climate, Aga has decided to invest in its Carlisle store. The shop has been there for about 16 years.

“We had a new demo kitchen installed earlier this year. Some Aga’s have been taken out and are being dismantled and some are staying while the refurbishment takes place.

“We are getting new flooring, new ceilings and a range of new cookware.

A celebration day is planned for December 8 when the Mayor of Carlisle, David Wilson, and Mayoress, Catherine Wilson, will cut a ribbon.

BBC presenter Kevin Fernihough will also be attending as well as Joanne Masterton-Brown from the Cutie Pie Cake Company and Liz and David Ogden from Corkscrew Wines.

Claire said: “We will also have home economist Dawn Roads with us who will be doing cooking demonstrations on the Aga and there will be canapes.”

Greenwoods menswear store on English Street is also having a refurbishment and is expected to open shortly.

Stan’s Kids Shoes on Warwick Road is closing down.

Former plumber Stan Turczynski, who is originally from Poland, set up the shop in September 2011.

First published at 10:38, Saturday, 10 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk