Two shops open in Langton Place, Bury St Edmunds

Two small retailers have put faith in Bury St Edmunds’s potential by opening in Langton Place in time for Christmas.

Elimayboo antiques and dress shop Lady Amarisa have both moved into vacant units to boost Bury’s independent offering.

Lady Amarisa owner Millie O’Brien said: “What we are hoping to do is not general ladies’ clothing, but evening and prom dresses. There is not currently a shop in Bury that caters for that specifically.

“There will be items that go with dresses too, like hats and accessories. It is upmarket fashion, special event outfits.

“We will not be doing wedding dresses, but dresses for bridesmaids and dresses you can wear to a wedding.”

Ms O’Brien already runs a similar shop called Eye Candie in London but has chosen to start in Bury alongside partner Ken Browne.

Langton Place has proved a tricky spot for retailers looking to attract footfall in recent times, with Lady Amarisa taking over from where gift shop Koti has now closed.

“We did not want a big exposure,” Ms O’Brien continued.

“There are low business rates in Langton Place, compared to other places. People have said about the footfall, but we are hoping to be a destination shop rather than somewhere people enter while passing through.

“To achieve that we are hoping to build a customer base through social media and word of mouth.”

Elimayboo started off as an Ebay business and has been trading online for eleven years - reaching an audience of antique collectors worldwide.

Elaine and Mark McArdle are behind the project, which specialises in lighting and homewear. It opened two doors down from Lady Amarisa last weekend.

Mrs McArdle said: “Elimayboo offers a diverse range of items to inspire new generations of appreciative owners.

“We are looking forward to opportunities that the shop will bring particularly being able to meet our customers face to face and are happy to advise and guide in all aspects of lighting and other areas of antiques too.

“We are delighted to be part of the friendly and vibrant atmosphere of Langton Place with its eclectic mix of destination businesses which complement each other.

“Among the items on offer will be; fountain pens and writing equipment, antique silver, antiquarian books and ecclesiastical antiques and retro ceramics.”