MORE than 200 people attended the vintage-themed opening of Ali Tyrer’s Rainford boutique and gift store Ellamora on Sunday.

Ali cut a ribbon, gave a short speech and served Prosecco and cupcakes to shoppers as they arrived at the four-hour event.

Ellamora, housed in a former post office and bakery in Church Road, opened around seven months after the128-year-old department store Tyrers closed its doors. 

Ali, who has daughters Hannah and Ella and a son Edward, said: “It’s wonderful and feels healing to be in business again – although it doesn’t have the name any more, it feels to me like a continuation of Tyrers.

 “People liked the cards and candles, the jewellery and clothing ranges.”
She added: “We had people in from Rainford and St Helens, but also from further afield – places like Ormskirk and Aintree.

“I feel like there is real potential in Rainford – it’s a great base, there’s a positive feeling here and the village is on the cusp of change with recent improvements and refurbishments.”

Ali, who lives in Prescot with husband Clint and the children, said the two former members of Tyrers staff who came to Ellamora with her have already settled in.

She thanked businesses who had helped with the building’s transformation to a boutique.