An Ebbw Vale gift store has relaunched and is hoping business will continue to flourish in the run-up to Christmas.

KM Gifts and Accessories has moved to a new home in Bethcar Street and successfully rebranded the business.

And as life starts to get back to normal, things in the town are looking up. “Business in the new location is going well and we are pleased that footfall is high,” said Kim Maguire, who runs the business. “I am very pleased that local people have continued to support the business.”

The shop stocks a wide range of quality homeware and giftware and has recently added ladies’ clothing to its offer; leading jewellery brands Clogau and Joma continue to be popular with the store’s clientele.

The business had been trading on the Festival Park under the John Jenkins brand. Kim eventually took it over, before moving the store to another location in the town, and now to Bethcar Street.

“I have been involved with the business for 25 years, and I am pleased to say that two of my present staff have been with me nearly all that time,” she said.

The shop employs four, and Kim is hoping that she will be able to take on another person as business builds towards Christmas. “We are trading very well and hoping that this Christmas will be good as the town gets back to normal,” she added.

A £750 Business Support grant to assist the move from Festival Park was provided jointly by Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council (BGCBC). “It was very helpful and we used it for marketing, security and signage,” she said.

Glyn Thomas, Area Manager in Wales for UKSE, said : “We are pleased to work with Blaenau Gwent Council through our Community Support programme. This is a difficult time for town centres in general, many of which are struggling to get back on their feet, and it is very pleasing to see this business trading well and looking ahead to better times.”

Councillor Dai Davies, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development BGCBC commented: “This is another good example of how partnership work can deliver positive results. By working together with Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE, we have been able to provide a business support grant which has helped with the relaunch of a local business in Ebbw Vale Town Centre – I wish them success for the future.

“We are keen to support businesses across Blaenau Gwent so that they are able to make a stronger recovery from the pandemic.”