Shop moves in Largs are hailed as good news for town economy

Boyd Street, Brisbane Road and Nelson Street are seeing a number of changes following the departure of Jenny's Wardrobe and Ivory Macs to the town centre.

However, these shops have not been left empty for long.

The various moves taking place have been hailed as positive to see with the area having experienced an upturn during the past few years.

The former home of Ivory Macs was recently taken over by local entrepreneur Lynsey Ewing.

Pooch Pod has opened (Image: Pooch Pod)

The passionate Largs dog lover is leading the way by opening a new dog grooming and pet shop business in the town.

And the premises until recently occupied by Jenny's Wardrobe have been taken over by Thru the Decades, which was based in Brisbane Road.

It is seling a range of upcycled and non-upcycled furniture and other recycled pieces.

The former Viking Home Improvements store is currently being converted into a Thai massage and nail art premises which is currently based at No. 8 Boyd Street.

And Body Art is set to be moving next door, from its Nelson Street premises to the corner premises adjoining Boyd Street.

We reported earlier this year how the area had been undergoing a revival with the opening of a new bike shop. 

Councillor Ian Murdoch told the News that he was delighted to see that there was plenty of positive things happening.

Cllr Ian Murdoch (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "I was very pleased when the Studio 44 gallery opened as it changes all the time and keeps the area fresh - and when Thru Decades moved into Jenny's Wardrobe it was good to see that quickly occupied.

"It is all very positive and it is good to see that the area are still attracting tenants and I feel it is important people shop everywhere in the town.

"It is of course still a busy area, and Farmfoods makes a huge difference as it increases the footfall significatly - and for these other independent shops, it is promising to see a good retail offering in that part of town."

Cllr Tom Marshall (Image: North Ayrshire Conservatives)

Conservative councillot Tom Marshall added: "I think it is good that shops are being occupied but I'd like to see a wider range of shops in the town, including dress shops for women and men's clothing.

"There is not a traditional jeweller's shop, but it is better that shops are occupied, as we need a balance to attract locals and tourists.

"The arrival of Marks and Spencer will make a big difference to the town centre.

"However, three vape shops in and around town centre and half a dozen charity shops does seem a bit excessive to me."