AN independent gift shop in Carlisle that looks to pass on a personal touch to customers is celebrating its second anniversary. 

Suzanne’s Gifts & More, located in Earls Lane Shopping Centre next to the bus station, started as a small venture in the city's Market Hall before moving to its current location after just three months.

Owner Suzanne Broughton, who runs the shop with the help of her daughter Zara Lee, said starting at the Market Hall 'gave a good idea as to whether the business would work or not' before deciding to expand to her current unit. 

The shop’s offers a mix of cards, balloons, children’s pyjamas, keepsake mugs, and memorial items, catering to every occasion from births to holidays as well as plenty of unique gift ideas such as stuffed balloons with teddy bears inside.

"We're a right mixture, everything from a Christmas gift to a baby being born," said Suzanne.

"I wouldn't be here without the customers -it’s a shoutout to them who are keeping us here and supporting us. 

“A lot say they come to me just because I am an independent business and we do little things with the personal touches – we wrap and ribbon your gifts free of charge and give that little extra bit than you would get standing in a big shop," she said. 

The shop's motto of 'cheap and cheerful' is reflected in their pricing strategy, with every card they sell priced at £1, regardless of size.

In order to pass on these savings to customers, Suzanne is often preparing for festive seasons all year round - even when it means having to buy Christmas stock in January. 

Suzanne's Gifts is open from Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. 

You can also follow the shop on Facebook here.