CUMBRIAN Dress Agency Handpicked is opening a new shop on the Penrith High-street this weekend.

The dress agency based in Penrith specialises in designer & high-end preloved clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories.

Heather, the founder of Handpicked said: "In 2009 I left my job at Hand on Heart Jewellery, a business which I co-founded along side my sister, to pursue a new business venture of selling preloved clothing & gifts. I started my business online initially but realised one of the biggest problems with selling clothing on-line is the returns for items not fitting."

"Handpicked was created to give shoppers a space to see and try before buying. It was really important that I created a space that was welcoming & just as fun as shopping for new clothing"

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After winning the top Ebay business award in 2022, Heather was given a grant which helped open her first shop, based in the Devonshire Arcade in Penrith but the space was soon outgrown and in February this year renovations started on the Old Mr Simms Sweet shop to turn it into the new Handpicked shop.

Heather said: "This new shop has allowed me to take everything I have learnt over the last 9 months and create a space that will showcase peoples items that they wish to sell, as well of giving customers a beautiful shop that they can browse, try and buy"

Heather continued: "We live in a world of throw away fashion which is having devastating impacts on the planet. I am doing my part to be very mindful when taking items in via the selling service to ensure they are quality items, fabulous fabric contents and in immaculate condition. That way I can ensure items go on to be reloved & reworn time & time again'"

Located next to The Cumberland, Handpicked opens at 16 Middlegate on Saturday March 4.

The shop has a range of preloved designer and high-end items to shop as well as offering a selling service where people can bring in their own quality items to sell via the shop.