A WITHAM entrepreneur is hoping to "fill a gap" in the town centre by launching a shoe and accessories store with “exclusive” lines.

Resident Peter Simpkins, the owner of Simpkins jewellers in the Newlands Centre, is set to open a brand-new shop called Accessories at 85.

The business, which will be at 85 Newland Street, will provide a range of men and women's shoes, bags, purses, fashion jewellery and other accessories.

Accessories at 85 will stock the shoe brand Jo & Joe, a popular Spanish fashion jewellery brand called Mira-Mira, and handbags from Long & Son.

Braintree and Witham Times: shoes - A poster for Jo & Joeshoes - A poster for Jo & Joe (Image: Accessories at 85)

Braintree and Witham Times: Jewellery - A few examples of the 14 karat gold plated MiraMira jewellery that Accessories at 85 will be stockingJewellery - A few examples of the 14 karat gold plated MiraMira jewellery that Accessories at 85 will be stocking (Image: Accessories at 85)

The business is also hoping to stock sterling silver jewellery as well.

An opening date has not been set but a target launch for mid March is hoped for by Peter as his team await stock.

After being in the jewellery and fashion industry for years, he is feeling positive about launching Accessories at 85.

He said: “We’re excited about it. We’re feeling positive and feel it fits the local needs of the town and we’re very optimistic.

Braintree and Witham Times: Businessman - Peter SimpkinsBusinessman - Peter Simpkins (Image: Accessories at 85)

“My wife is very keen on handbags and accessories. Between the two of us, we will get some good quality lines in for the town’s shoppers.”

Simpkins has been in Witham since 2006 and sells an array of jewellery, watches and gifts.

After well-known shoe retailer Clarks closed its doors in the Grove Shopping Centre in January, Peter and his wife realised there was a gap in the market.

They have taken over former vape store, the Vapers Cove.

Braintree and Witham Times: Location - A Street View image of 85 Newland Street prior to Accessories at 85 taking on the unitLocation - A Street View image of 85 Newland Street prior to Accessories at 85 taking on the unit (Image: Google Maps)

Peter said: “What crystalised the decision to launch this business for us is that Clarks pulled out of town, so we thought let’s fill that space and build on it."

The shop has been redecorated for Accessories at 85’s spring launch.

Peter is hopeful the business will go down well with residents.

He said: “It will be a unique offering. I don’t think there is a shoe shop left in Witham. The jewellery is exclusive to us in Witham, and so are the handbags.

“What we carry will be exclusive.”