A new shop has opened its doors in the Bailey’s Bay neighbourhood, rejuvenating the long-vacant premises of the former Belvin’s Variety Store on North Shore Road.

Customers who remember the old shop are in for a surprise when they step inside Ways Market Boutique. It has been designed to give a welcoming and spacious feel. Co-owner Waynette Robinson explains this is the “boutique” element of the store.

Her husband Toriano has retail experience in the liquor sector, and together the couple decided to bring a new lease of life to the former store, which closed its doors a number of years ago.

The shop sells a selection of groceries, bakery items, fresh produce — including organic, wines, spirits and beers, and also has a hot food counter.

“The hot food is grab and go items,” said Mrs Robinson.

Earlier this year the couple became aware of the empty premises near the junction with Coney Island Road, in Hamilton Parish, and they made enquiries about the possibility of setting up a business. What followed was months of hard work redesigning the interior to create the boutique ambience.

“I have grinded myself from April until the end of August. I was very hands-on, and there were some great people who helped. It has all paid off,” said Mrs Robinson.

“The design came from me. It’s more of a small boutique, more homestyle; people come in and get a good greeting.”

When asked why the couple had decided that now was a good time to open a business, so soon after a lengthy economic downturn, Mrs Robinson said: “You are always going to have these bumps. It’s great timing to open a business when the economy is recovering — and it is something the neighbourhood appreciates.”

The store, which has a car parking courtyard, opened a month ago and has started to attract regular customers as news of its opening spreads.

Mrs Robinson said: “We’ve just opened and we are getting people coming around. It has been steady and it’s only going to get better.”