A SAVVY Ulverston businesswoman who runs a successful florist has now expanded her range to include homeware.

Nina Dougan, 25, the owner of Floral and Hardy, is celebrating the successful first week of her new shop, Stanley's, in Market Street.

Stanley's follows the tradition of Miss Dougan naming her shops after Ulverston's most famous sons, her first venture being the florist, Floral and Hardy.

Stanley's is a departure from flowers for Miss Dougan and a move into interior decoration.

Just a few of the items on sale include chairs, tables, photo frames and lamps, all chosen to suit Miss Dougan's unique style.

She said: "Things have been going really well at Floral and Hardy, but our customers wanted more.

"We looked around and there wasn't really anywhere that offered something different.

"I love furniture and I saw there was a gap in the market."

Floral and Hardy already sold some home items, but Miss Dougan wanted to sell a range with a different style.

She said: "Floral and Hardy sells more shabby chic over a more contemporary style."

Using five suppliers, Miss Dougan has been able to find a range she feels will give shoppers in Ulverston something different, without breaking the bank.

"Being affordable was very important to me. People think we are expensive but we aren't."

The opening of the new shop has happened quickly. With the help of her family, Miss Dougan was able to transform the property in just two weeks.

She said: "All the family pitched in to strip out the new shop. You have to have your family to help."

As long as she is able to stay competitive, Miss Dougan and her mother, Christine, are confident customers will come.

Mrs Dougan said: "Because the suppliers we use offer next day delivery, it means we can offer that service too.

"We've got a great customer base. I think because we have a good relationship in the town, people know us and they trust us."

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