A SPECIALIST shop in Bowness that has taken the time to reinvent itself during the third national lockdown is urging locals to shop in the area before the big Summer rush.

The Original Man Shop, based on Quarry Rigg, is a unique multi-award-winning man shop that makes it easy to find that special gift for a man or for yourself. Packed with inspiring, practical and fun stuff for men of all ages, in store and online.

The concept shop is set up to provide a hub for gifts and accessories for people of all ages which has won them 'Men's Gifts Retailer of the Year - North West at the 2020 Northern Enterprise Awards as well as 'Best Men's Online Gifts' at the 2020 UK Enterprise Awards.

Owner Andy Poole has redecorated during the lockdown as many others have but has taken the time to rethink his market and has pushed products like his sunglasses that are unisex to cater for the tourism market. This decision was brought on by his move to Bowness from Ulverston.

“It is a strange time really because I don’t really know how things are going to work out tourism wise,” the Ulverston resident said.

“I am still unsure as to what people will being doing in terms of their holidays.

“I spent a lot of time during the lockdown doing a complete refurbishment with the shop and moved everything around to give the place a much better feel.

“I have the widest range of sunglasses in the area as I have started to adapt to the tourist market.

“A lot of what we have is unisex so we can cater for a broader audience.”

There is a wide selection of goods in store, ranging from watches to wallets, bags to bracelets and belts, shaving gear to beard care, novelty gifts, sunglasses, books, and headwear. One of the unique features they have is their range of bamboo socks and clothes which can keep you cool in Summer and warm in Winter, according to Mr Poole.

“I think it would be good for local people to visit these local shops as they currently rely on visitors from outside the area,” he said.

“Not many local people come into Bowness who live nearby because it is a touristy place. But this is the ideal time to come and visit before more restrictions ease and tourism really starts to pick up again.”