Major refurbishment underway to create mini-department store in Alnwick

An Alnwick businesswoman is bringing her three shops together under one roof to create a mini-department store.
Restoration work has started on a shop unit for Robonson's.Restoration work has started on a shop unit for Robonson's.
Restoration work has started on a shop unit for Robonson's.

The Emporium, Boutique Ravello and Shoe Jungle, owned by Julie Robinson, are moving into the former Glendale Paints unit in Bondgate Within.

The new store, Robinson’s, is due to open on Saturday, March 7 with Champagne and special giveaways planned.

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Before then, a major restoration project is taking place to get it ready.

Robinson's will open on Bondgate Within.Robinson's will open on Bondgate Within.
Robinson's will open on Bondgate Within.

“I hope it will be a real destination point, helping to put Alnwick on the map,” said Julie. “I also hope it will be more convenient for shoppers who have a little less time these days.”

It was 2011 when Julie decided on a major career change. After nine years working in the building trade she decided to open The Emporium, which specialises in fashion and gift products. For seven years it was on Bondgate Without but two years ago moved to Narrowgate,

In 2014 Boutique Ravello launched and specialised in ladies clothing. Currently in the Market Place, it was previously on Narrowgate for four years.

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She also had a Morpeth branch of the shop for 18 months until she decided to wanted to focus on her home town.

That also coincided with the opening of Shoe Jungle on Fenkle Street last July, specialising in premium ladies footwear.

Now 34, Julie said: “I had a five year plan for the future which was to put all three stores into one but due to circumstances in my favour was able to bring that plan forward.”

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