A thriving lingerie boutique which opened in Maldon at the beginning of 2020 is moving to larger premises this week, after finding success during the pandemic.

The Bra Consultancy will be reopening two doors down from its original site on Edward's Walk, in Maldon, this Friday (19 November) as part of its expansion plans.

Owner Julie Blanche opened the shop with Kayleigh Smith in February 2020, just weeks before lockdown hit.

Kayleigh, who works as marketing executive and fitting consultant at the business, said: "Five weeks after we originally opened, we had to close.

"We had to find different ways to run the business through the lockdowns.

"Then, coming back, it's just been busier than ever.

"Customers tell us this is exactly what they've wanted and needed and they're so thankful we're here, which is lovely.

"We're doing really well and have managed to expand for our lovely customers."

The business' online shop has remained fully operational throughout the pandemic, while Julie and Kayleigh were available to customers through their popular virtual fitting service when the physical shop had to close.

With lingerie available in sizes 28-52 AA-K, cup-sized swimwear, pyjamas and teen, sports, maternity and nursing bras, the business caters to a range of needs.

Moving to bigger premises will allow it to expand its stock while continuing to adapt to the pandemic by ensuring customers feel safe with ample space.

Kayleigh said: "The new premises is about four times the size of what we've got currently.

"Covid safety is something we've really kept in mind while building the new shop - everything's built with more distance and air conditioning, for example - so everything has gone in to make it as safe as we possibly can for our customers."

There will be three changing rooms in the new shop, rather than two, and a designated mastectomy and reconstruction suite for customers who have undergone surgery.

Kayleigh, who specialises alongside Julie in the fitting of breast prostheses and post-surgery lingerie, said: "It's going to be really lovely.

"It's just something we can go forward with to give those ladies a bit of extra time with us."

Councillor David Ogg, the town mayor, will officially open the shop at 11am on Friday, and the relaunch event will continue on Saturday (20 November) to allow as many customers as possible to enjoy the offers that will be available.

The women have also just extended the shop's opening hours for the relaunch, after fitting appointments for both days quickly ran out.

"We've extended the opening hours so that more people can come in and have a fitting with us on the day and take advantage of the lovely offers available," Kayleigh said.

Customers are invited to come down to the shop, at 16 Edward's Walk, between 11am and 6pm on Friday, and 10am and 6pm on Saturday.

You can book a fitting appointment for the weekend here.

Visit the Bra Consultancy's online shop here and its Facebook page here.