THE family-run business, La Salle, has expanded, by opening a second kitchenware store. The kitchen design shop will remain on the Bridge and the new store, La Salle Lifestyle in the Commercial Arcade, will cater for wedding lists, specialised gifts and designer kitchenware.

Owners Martin and Jean Vidamour said that they had always intended to move into Town and it had been a case of finding the right property.

‘We’ve been open for three years on the Bridge and this property came up for rent 18 months ago, but the kitchen sales part will remain where it is,’ said Mr Vidamour.

‘The purpose of the Town shop is to continue our kitchenware and introduce more lifestyle gift ranges.’

Stock is sourced from all over Europe.

‘We pick out things that we see and we like – we aren’t interested in bulk-buying, but more specific items and if people are looking for something in particular, we will source it for them,’ he said.

Many items in the shop are bought directly from the maker rather than being mass-produced.

Mrs Vidamour said that she thought they had chosen an ideal location which would be well received by new and current customers.

‘Lots of people have always said it would be nice for us to move into Town. There isn’t any traffic and we are in a central location – it’s perfect,’ she said.

The building has been completely renovated and the second phase of the business’ expansion includes the introduction of a cafe on the first and second floors.

‘We haven’t got a specific date, but we are hoping to open the cafe in the next six weeks. We want to provide something a little bit different – a personal touch and individual service – and that’s why people come back,’ said Mrs Vidamour.