THE number of independent shops in Halstead’s town centre is continuing to grow with the addition of a custom embroidery shop.

ESO Personalise opened its doors in Head Street at the start of the month, and the company is confident of adding something to different to the town centre.

Mark and Rachel Jeffreys, 39, are already enjoying their time in Halstead, particularly after support from their first batch of customers.

Mark. 43, said: “We haven’t been open long, but we have had a really good response in the town already.

“The people who have had a look and come in seem to be impressed, and it seems to be something they are looking for within the town.

“We have already had business from Halstead Football Club and a few businesses within the town so we can hope that local support continues.”

The couple initially launched ESO Personalise as an online service, but after moving from Braintree to Sible Hedingham, they saw the Head Street unit as a perfect chance to open their first physical store.

Mark added: “In many ways, it was a case of the right shop coming up at the right time.

“It’s the first time we have had a physical shop after purely being based online, so it is an exciting time for us.

“We are trying to bring back good value service, which has been lost online. Ideally now our customers can come in, discuss their purchase, and work out what is best for them.

“We look to treat our customers properly, by helping them and charging fair prices, in the aim of gaining repeat customers.”

ESO provide a range of products for personalisation on anything from t-shirts, to bags.

Visit www.esopersonalise.co.uk