CARD shop Expressions is undergoing a major refurbishment with its owners believing the work will benefit Old Town and its businesses.

The shop, off Victoria Road, closed on Saturday and is due to reopen on Friday, after undergoing a complete overhaul with all of its fixtures and fittings being stripped out.

The thousands of pounds worth of improvements are being carried out by owners Chris and Tracey Bryant, who have run the long-established shop since September 2012.

“We felt it was time to give it a fresh look and modernise the shop as well as create a bit more space inside it,” Chris said.

“This is a big project and has cost a lot of money but we have very loyal customers and are pleased by the support we’ve recieved.”

Expressions, which sells a range of gifts, has been based in Old Town for more than 30 years.

The renovation, the first the store has had since 2000, will allow Expressions to sell more products along with their established lines.

The investment in the Old Town economy comes at a welcome time following the recent closures of bar Cakes and Ale and salon Talk of the Town as well as restaurant Bombay Lounge’s decision to temporarily close for the summer.

Tracey said: “In general, Old Town has such a lovely feel. It is an area which offers something a little different.

“Given that we are a focal point of Old Town, we felt the store needed a bit of a facelift and we hope it will be a big benefit.”

The interior work is the first phase of improvements to Expressions with the Bryants planning on sprucing up the outside of the shop in the coming weeks.

They intend to put up new signs as well as installing new windows.

Expressions, which has 11 staff, held a sale on Saturday before the work began.

Although the store will begin trading again on Friday, the couple intend to hold a bigger event later in the year when all the work, inside and out, is completed.

Anyone wishing to keep updated with the renovation or find out more about Expressions can visit their Twitter account @ExpressionsOld