A SHOPKEEPER whose store was targeted by a knife-wielding robber is preparing to re-open his premises after a refit.

Baz Jethwa will officially open his Costcutter store in Plodder Lane, Farnworth, on February 11 after a £250,000 refurbishment.

It will feature an in-store Post Office and Costa Coffee as well as chilled meals, fresh produce, bakery goods and an off-licence.

Two female assistants working at the shop were subjected to a terrifying ordeal in the store on January 5 when the robber brandished the knife while carrying a red satchel-style bag, described as a 'baby changing bag' by Mr Jethwa.

The shop will close on January 29 and will re-open after two weeks of refurbishment.

Now Mr Jethwa is looking to put this behind him following the investment, which promises to offer customers "a greater choice and shopping experience".

Mr Jethwa, who last year won the medium-sized store category in the Independent Retailer of the Year Award, said: “This has been a major investment for us and we can’t wait to share our new store with customers and get their reaction to all the new fresh produce and services.

"We look forward to seeing our customers on the 11th February to help us celebrate the official opening of the new look store.”

To celebrate the re-opening of the shop, Mr Jethwa is inviting customers to a fun day which will include live music, food tastings from local supplies, special offers and a visit from the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Carole Swarbrick.

Mr Jethwa also runs another branch of Costcutter in Campbell Street, Farnworth, employing 30 people at his stores. He says he hopes to recruit another 20 people this year.

Last year his Campbell Street store was subject of a £400,000 refurbishment programme, with the store doubling in size and sales increasing by £1 million.

Police are still tracing the man responsible for the incident in the Plodder Lane store, who escaped on foot with about £350 in cash.

He is described as a white man in his early 20s who spoke with a local accent. He wore a scarf over his face and had pulled the hood of his light-coloured Adidas zip-up top tightly around his face.The man also wore tracksuit bottoms and Nike trainers.