A TRADER with a unique product range based in south Cumbria has seen success with two business awards and is now adapting to life working behind closed doors.

Having relocated from Ulverston to Bowness earlier this year, The Original Man Shop is now focusing on home delivery and pick up services in the run up to Christmas with free delivery being offered to local customers in Ulverston and Bowness.

Andy Poole, 58, decided upon this concept back in 1995, but due to work commitments he left it on the backburner until his relaunch in his hometown of Ulverston in 2017.

The former chief executive of the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness said: “I am offering free delivery in Ulverston and Bowness.

“This is what I did through the last lockdown for the local people.

"People do prefer to shop local and I think so many people just default to Amazon, but they don't take into account that they don't need to as local shops are delivering and doing click and collect like me.

"Shopping local, even online, is a lot more personal. It all helps local businesses.

"Hopefully, people can see this and support local shops."

There is no delivery charge apart from postage payment for those in the eligible areas.

The concept shop is set up to provide a hub for gifts and accessories for men 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.

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.

"The move to Bowness was a really good one," Mr Poole continued.

"Even though Bowness is a touristy place we are still getting local people from this area and Ulverston which is great.

"It was just as business was starting to pick up that we went into lockdown.

"Hopefully if we get out of lockdown in December, we still have time to catch up on business with Christmas shoppers."

He went on to say how he misses interacting face to face with his customers and that he is happy to discuss or advise on purchases through the shop's Facebook page.

The shop's website is https://www.tomr.shop/.

To nominate a trader of the week, email george.lythgoe@newsquest.co.uk