A HUSBAND and wife team are hoping for bags of success after launching a new fashion accessories store at Bolton’s Crompton Place Shopping Centre.

#Bag has opened its doors at the mall selling handbags, scarves and hats and owners Tony and Jackie Singh say so far sales are going brilliantly.

The couple, aged 40 and 37, hail from Stockport and decided to include a hashtag in the name of their new business as an homage to social media and a reflection of their modern, up-to-date ethos.

Mr Singh studied Biomedical Science in Bradford and worked in hospitals for many years before deciding he needed to make a change.

He said the people of Bolton have made him and his wife feel very welcome.

He said: ““I’m not just saying this, but we’re both born and bred from Manchester and we love the city but we’ve found the people here to be so much more talkative and they find more time for you — everyone is so nice.”

Speaking about the new venture, he said: “I just wanted to be my own boss.

“We launched a website selling clothes and things and now that our children are a bit older, Jackie wanted to do something too so the shop is an extension of that business and it’s going really well.”

#Bag offers handbags, scarves, hats and other accessories and Mr Singh said they turn stock around quickly so there is always something new in store.

He said: “Once something is sold we don’t replace it, we change stock and customers are loving that.

“Nearly all our bags are under £20 and the response we’ve had so far is fantastic. A lot of people have been saying we needed a bag shop in Bolton and the feedback has just been phenomenal.”

Once they are established, the entrepreneurial couple are hoping to take on a part time member of staff.

Paula Wood, centre manager at Crompton Place shopping centre said: “I’m a huge handbag fan so it’s great to have Jackie and Tony here at Crompton Place.

He added: “They’re so enthusiastic about their product and they really do know what the customers want.”

For more information about Crompton place go to www.crompton-place.co.uk or visit the centre’s Facebook page or Twitter account @CromptonPlace.