BOSSES at a womenswear store in Horwich have decided to promote their business over lockdown by reinstating the lost tradition of window shopping.

The frontage of Ruby Rose Boutique, in Lee Lane, will be used to promote the shop's wares and entice customers - while keeping the shop door firmly closed.

Facing a month-long closure as part of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, owner Angela Stevens realised that she needed to do something different to help her business to survive.

While many businesses have resorted to completely trading online, Ms Stevens chose to use her shop window as the primary place to advertise her goods.

Maintaining a tasteful display while featuring as many products as possible has given Ms Stevens a steady flow of enquiries while brightening up the high street.

She takes orders via her Facebook page and website, and runs a click and collect service.

Ms Stevens said: “Customers usually call us an Aladdin’s cave due to the amount of stock we have and accessories on offer. In the shop I normally have various displays of all the items that go together.

In the first lockdown I initially closed for a while but began doing some orders, so the shop itself became a bit of a warehouse.

“When this lockdown began I felt really deflated, but then I had the idea that I could use the shop window in order to keep my business going.

“I’ve packed a lot more in the window than I normally would, I placed five mannequins in there and there’s over 50 accessories. I’m planning on buying some twinkling lights to really make it special.

“As a shop I always make sure we have something different to sell that customers can’t buy elsewhere, so in this way we’re standing out too. The effect I wanted to create is like a kid looking in a toy shop window.”

In 2019 Ruby Rose won best shop in Bolton in a competition organised by Chris Green MP.

Ms Stevens founded the shop along with her mum Ros in 2012, although Ros sadly died in 2015.

Serving the local community has always been important to her.

Ms Stevens said:”I really miss my customers and I’m very close to my regulars, I like to make sure that they are doing ok.

“I’m not going to give up, as a local business I have a good relationship with my customers, it’s not a nine to five job and I’m often here into the evening.

“Standing outside the shop now looks very inviting and people can easily see what we sell. I would definitely recommend it, it’s much better than having the shutters down.

“With all the shops closed it can look very bleak and grey but this brightens it up significantly. I’ve already had enquiries from people who’ve spotted items they want in the window.”