THREE new shops have opened in Colchester in time for Christmas.

It is hoped the gift shop, craft shop and jewellery store will help to breathe new life into the town centre.

G Store has opened in Culver Street East, selling 3D posters, classic prints, personalised images and a quirky range of gifts.

Loosely based on the Athena stores popular in the Eighties, the G Store also offers a wedding and baby section and a mount cutting and frame service.

It is only the fifth G Store in the country. Peter Osman, managing director, said: “I think Colchester is the ideal place for a shop like this to succeed.

“There’s a college nearby, a university, garrison and plenty of young home-makers.”

The official opening of the store was held yesterday, with Colchester United's mascot Eddie the Eagle cutting the ribbon.

The store also gave away a signed U’s shirt to one of its first 500 customers.

A new jewellers is also set to open its doors on Saturday in Eld Lane, Colchester, after leasing the site from the East of England Co-operative Society.

Simpkins Jewellers was set up in Witham four years ago, and is a family run business that has attracted plenty of custom despite hard economic times.

Peter Simpkins, managing director, said: “We are a successful local company and adding this new branch to our jewellery business is a very positive move for us.

“We look forward to serving Colchester for many years to come.”

The recently closed interior and lifestyles boutique, Artasia, is due to reopen for a limited time.

The store, which will be selling creative goods from Indonesia, India and locations throughout south east Asia, will be based in St John’s Street for eight weeks.

The shop was originally based in Crouch Street but closed several months ago.

The empty Crouch Street site is due to be taken over by French Connection.