ONE of the fast-growing players in the world of retail fashion has arrived in North Yorkshire.

A new Esprit store has opened on Northallerton’s High Street, selling a wide range of fashion and accessories for men and women.

The town’s new mayor, Coun John Forrest, formally opened the 2,000 sq metre shop, described as a “new concept” for the franchise chain.

Well-known on the continent, the chain is growing in this country with a presence in many big stores, although there only other stand-alone outlet is in London’s Regent Street.

And as the store opened in Northallerton manager Lisa Cooper and her six-strong team of full and part-time staff were kept busy with a steady flow of customers, from teens to senior citizens.

Simon Scott, marketing manager of franchise operators De Bradelei, said: “This outlet is the first our new-look stores and we are hoping to roll-out the concept across the region.”