A NEW family-run furniture business has opened in the Chantry Centre.

The Chantry Furniture Store opened its doors to town centre shoppers last Friday.

The new store, which is located opposite clothing retailer Animal, is taking up a two floor, 11,000 square foot unit within the shopping centre.

It will sell furniture including beds, dining tables, chairs, sofas and cupboards.

The new store is the brainchild of William Marsh, a 28-year-old entrepreneur from Amesbury.

Mr Marsh will work alongside family members, including mother Maureen (pictured) and sister Janine to run the store.

He said: “We think there’s a gap in the market for us.

“The new shop is a great size and perfectly placed at the heart of Andover where local shoppers can try before they buy and enjoy the sort of quality aftercare service you cannot get when you buy online.”

The store has an extensive first floor showroom and there are already plans to extend the range to include flooring and carpets.

Links have been forged with charity partners, to whom the furniture shop will donate returned and damaged goods.

The team also have a strong environmental policy, ensuring old furniture collected from customers is recycled.

Chantry Centre manager Steve Cotney said: “We hope the opening of The Chantry Furniture Store heralds a renaissance of the town centre.

“It is certainly encouraging to see local businesses expanding in the area and recognising the potential of both The Chantry Centre and Andover.”

He added: “Keeping spending in the town centre can only help the excellent stores we already host and at the same time make it easier to attract the new fascias that will provide even more vitality to this charming market town.”

The Advertiser is currently running a campaign, Keep it Andover, to champion local businesses and encourage people to shop in the area as much as possible.