AMBITIOUS young businesswoman Julie Ross is taking the plunge as a shopkeeper after three years as a market trader

Julie, aged 33, is due to open a shoe shop in Capitol Walk in Congleton this month, one of two new businesses attracted to the mall.

Shoetout is taking over a unit halfway down the mall, while a dry cleaners and shoe repairer is due to open at the entrance to Capitol Walk.

The retail boost for the mall comes amidst plans for a series of signs to raise its profile in the town.

Mall development officer Jill Johnson said signs were due to go up at both entrances, as well as a series of banners at the side of the mall.

"Shoetout will provide an alternative shoe shop in Congleton, and we can be very flexible over leases and rents," said Jill.

"That's the only way to attract new businesses, and the mall owners have become more flexible and listen to what prospective tenants want."

Jill lives in Crescent Road, and has been running market stalls for three and a half years, including one at Congleton for the past five months.

She finished at Tunstall Market in April, and tomorrow will be her last day at Congleton Market.

"I have always wanted my own shop, and we desperately need another shoe shop in Congleton," she said.

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