BOLTON has welcomed a new fashion store thanks to a group of first-time entrepreneurs.

Beth Stott has opened Kiwii in the heart of Bolton town centre despite being just 24 years old.

The idea for the men's and women's clothing brand was born out of a three-way Whatsapp call between Beth and a couple of friends, who all pitched in to make their dream a reality.

Now, just a month later, the shop, in Mealhouse Lane, close to M&S, is already trading and the fashion-conscious owners are hoping it makes an impact with shoppers.

Beth said: “We are really excited, nervous, but excited.

“It has all happened very quickly but we have had a really good reception so far. Our launch night was absolutely packed.

“We have had lots of people coming in to see what we are about.

“We are trying to cater for people of all ages and sizes. On Saturday we had a wonderful 87-year-old customer visit us and leave with bags full of items she had chosen.”

Since they began renting the unit out two weeks ago, the team has been busy painting, decorating and calling in the electricians to rewire the site.

They have hand-selected items of clothing from various wholesalers in Manchester as well as purchasing stock online to line their shelves.

They have also kitted out the space with glitzy mirrors, accessories and shoes.

For two members of staff who studied farming at university, retail is an entirely different path to the one they expected to be on.

Beth, who lives in Chorley, said: “I never saw myself doing this in my early 20s.

“I was apprehensive at first but we have had a really positive start.

“We researched the footfall for various locations and settled on this unit because it had more or less everything we needed.

“Bolton is so busy as a town compared to where I live. It is the busiest location in the area and is quite central.

“We are trying to sell clothing at a reasonable price for shoppers, not like an expensive boutique.

“People can be hesitant to go into new shops but we have had customers picking up leaflets and others saying they will support us by advertising Kiwii in their shop windows.”

The shop officially opened on Black Friday.

The shop will be open between 11am-4pm. Visit the team’s Facebook page Kiwii Bolton.