FASHION retailer White Stuff will be opening a new shop in Wimborne in April.

The store will be based in the Square at the site of the former HSBC branch, which closed last summer.

It will be the second White Stuff to open in Dorset, joining the store in Bournemouth.

The 1,050 square foot shop, which opens next Friday, will utilise the old bank’s original features, and reclaimed door rafts will be suspended from the ceiling for a ‘unique White Stuff finish’, according to the company.

Customers can expect to find a mix of clothing, footwear and accessories for men and women, as well as homeware, at the new store.

There will also be a charity sweet shop and a ‘dwell area’ in which a variety of complimentary teas and coffees can be enjoyed by customers.

To celebrate the opening, White Stuff Wimborne will be hosting a party on Saturday with Prosecco, cupcakes, a £250 prize draw and a free gift with purchases over £50. Young attendees can explore the bespoke kid’s area, enjoy activity packs and get creative with colouring-in flags.

Chairman of the Wimborne BID, Ian Faulkner, said it was "wonderful" to see empty units being re-occupied in the town.

"Whilst we are sad when a business leaves, the quality and diversity of recent additions to the town show how Wimborne Minster is an increasingly attractive place to run a business.

"We continue to provide a unique shopping experience with a mix of national chains and unique independent shops which, combined with our cultural destinations, make up a really special town.”

Every year White Stuff commits to donating at least 1 per cent of annual profits to charity, and shops regularly raise money to support their community with fundraising events throughout the year. White Stuff Wimborne will be partnered with a local charity following the store opening and customers are encouraged to pop by in the first few weeks to suggest their favourite local cause.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We are excited to be opening a shop in Wimborne offering our unique range of clothing, footwear, accessories and homeware to the local community. Not only is Wimborne a perfect match for our brand heritage, but where better to open a shop than in this beautiful and historic town?”