A FELIXSTOWE shop is hoping to increase its customers with a new “try before you buy” area for children.

A FELIXSTOWE shop is hoping to increase its customers with a new “try before you buy” area for children.

Trading Places - a county council project which offers the chance for disadvantaged adults to get involved in the workplace - has set up a special children's area.

While their parents browse around the shop, the youngsters can have a go on the store's toys in a safe and friendly environment.

“We needed to find a way to increase our footfall and with Felixstowe having few shops selling toys we have decided to focus on children and teenagers,” said project officer Louise Woods.

“The aim is to allow children a time of try before you buy so see if they like the toys we have.

“Many of our toys are educational, but we also have puppets and other fun stuff, too, and we are increasing our range or toys so people do not have to get in a car and go to Ipswich.”

Trading Places in Hamilton Road offers the chance for disadvantaged adults, some with learning disabilities and others recovering from mental health problems, to take part in a training scheme to learn keys skills and boost their confidence, or to readjust in a work situation, in preparation for seeking jobs in the workplace elsewhere.