THE finishing touches are being put to a furnishing and lifestyle store that promises to open eyes in Pershore.

“We want Persora to be something that Pershore has never seen before," said businesswoman Sasha Hyde. "Contemporary lifestyle and homeware products team with works from artists and sculptors, ensuring that we support and promote Wychavon District Council’s vision that the town remains a prominent contributor of the localised economic sustainability

strategy both now and in the future.

“In today’s digital age, online retailing is critical in ensuring that you supplement any low footfall with international trading opportunities, something which our website will cater for when we launch late summer of this year.”

The move is a significant change for Ms Hyde, who traditionally comes from a construction industry background. But she added: "I’ve spent many years helping to build houses for a national contractor, but all I ever really wanted to do was furnish them."

The high street location is a three storey, double front, Grade II listed property. Persora will occupy the ground floor units as its front of house retail space, with a secondary space on the first floor which will host local and residential artists and sculptors. Artists or sculptors interested in Persora can contact Sasha Hyde at persora@outlook.com.