A NEW shop is set to open on Barrow’s Cavendish Street next week.

For Any Occasion, which will sell items including greetings cards and special balloons, will be opening next Wednesday.

After starting as a stall in the town’s market, owner Lynne Myerscough-Newton believes it was time for the business to step into its own premises.

She said: "As a business, we started nearly 40 years ago.

“It was originally my dad’s business who took it over from a lady called Stella Williams, then completely expanded it all.

“My dad has now retired so I have taken over the reins and now run the business.

“We have basically ran out of space in the market so decided to get our own shop.”

The shop will have two floors, which will sell two different items.

Greetings cards will be sold on the bottom floor, whereas balloon art can be bought on the top floor.

The demand for balloon art has surged this year, and she explained why it has its own section in the shop.

She said: "We have done really well with balloon art this year.

“It has completely taken off and has helped us get through the pandemic.”

As a result of the Government-imposed lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Barrow’s market was forced to shut temporarily.

However, Lynne highlighted that the pandemic had influenced the business’ decision to open on Cavendish Street.

She said: “It was one of the reasons why we have decided to open here.

“When the market closed it was really difficult.

“With my husband’s help, we have managed to get a website up to continue selling our greetings cards and balloons.

“But we needed a space where people can see the items on display.”