Whitehaven’s own independent department store has welcomed customers through its doors for the first time this year, as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Dixons department store on Lowther Street re-opened to the public on Monday as retailers classed as ‘non-essential’ are now permitted to welcome customers in person.

Marie Dixon from the family-run business said: “It has been really good. We have had lots of customers saying they have missed us and it’s nice to be back and come and have a look around.

“We are very pleased to be back open and trading and having people back in. We have got all the Covid restrictions in place. The number one thing is that people feel safe.

“The staff have been brilliant. They are delighted to be back and are raring to go. They are saying it’s so lovely to see people again.”

The store has been well stocked in preparation for re-opening including a new Esprit range and a full new line of Phase Eight womenswear.

Dixons has been a part of the town since 1882 and is still a family-run business. The family also owns Dunmail Park at Workington, the home of their other department store, which was fitted with a new first floor during lockdown.

Speaking of the store’s longevity, Ms Dixon said: “I think it’s a willingness to change and embrace new things and move with the times. We emphasise customer service and looking after the customers.”

She said recent closures of high street department store chains including Debenhams and John Lewis are not good for the high street and the jobs that are lost.

However, Dixons has recently taken on three new members of staff – one a former Debenhams employee and another from Arcadia Group, the parent company of retailers including Dorothy Perkins and Topshop, which folded last year.

“If we continue we can keep people in local jobs,” she added.

The community was shocked to learn this week that the Plaza Cinema at Dunmail Park would not be re-opening after lockdown, due to the two parties being unable to reach to an agreement over the lease terms.

Ms Dixon said: “It has been rather difficult. It can only be a cinema. It’s built as a cinema. We hope to find another operator and continue running it as a cinema.

“There’s plenty of screens and plenty of parking. Hopefully we will be able to sort something. It’s up in the air at the moment.”

Ms Dixon added that they were looking forward to being able to re-open the cafes at Whitehaven and Dunmail Park as restrictions are eased further next month.

“We will be happy when we can re-open the cafes. Once they are open we will feel like they are back to normal.”