A NEW toy, gift and children’s book shop has opened in Bolton town centre.

The Magic Tree has been opened by Caeryn Collins, who is expanding her business from Wigan to Bolton.

She believes it will fill a gap in the market by specialising in non-branded toys and gifts that are different to those in high street chain stores — and by offering a few services aimed at parents.

The shop will also offer craft workshops and pampering services to mums, such as aromatherapy.

Mrs Collins said: “We’re selling books and toys which have good educational qualities but are also a little bit quirky.

“There’s no point in trying to compete with big high street shops selling well-known brands.” Mrs Collins opened the first shop in Standish, Wigan, two years ago. Before that she worked for Bolton at Home.

Her new shop is in Bowker’s Row, at the revamped St Andrew’s Court, between Nelson Square and HMV.

The site had become neglected and partly empty over the years, but was sold last year by the Post Office Pensions Trust and has since been renovated.

A number of new businesses have moved in, including a jeweller, hairdressers, a women’s wear shop, clothing alterations business, cafe-grill in the vaults below Mawdsley Street, a traditional sweet shop franchise and a comic, film and sci