YET more retailers are proving Dorchester means business as they set up shop in the county town. As reported in DT1, within the last few months South Street has welcomed the Reloved vintage store and tearoom, The Pantry, Durnovaria wine bar, Sidewalk Clothing Co, Hotter Shoe Shop, whilst High East Street has seen the Polish shop open and Fantasy Flowers moved into Trinity Street.

A number of well-known retailers, such as Joules clothing, have also announced they will be coming to Brewery Square.

And now a fashion retailer is hoping to ‘bridge a gap’ in Dorchester’s diverse market with its women’s wear range.

Kulla, in the unit in South Street, which was previously Moss Bros, officially opened its doors on Monday.

Trainee manager Rebecca Walsh said she is ‘very excited’ the town will have a better choice of clothing for young women.

She said: “I think Dorchester needs a shop like this.

“It’s quite different and there aren’t many retailers that are catering for younger people in the town.

“Usually you would either not have a choice or have to go out of town.

“It’s quite a big shop and there’s room for a lot of clothes.”

Although she is just 18, Rebecca was picked for the job thanks to her previous retail experience and enthusiasm.

She said: “I am really excited to have been given this opportunity.

And the venture has created more jobs as it’s looking for part time sales assistants.

Although the closure of HMP Dorchester is expected to impact on the town and the likes of Dreams bed store and JJB Sports have closed their doors, Phil Gordon of the Dorchester BID said around 80 new businesses have opened in the county town within the last few years.

He added: “We know the economy is starting to get back on its feet again but it’s good to know that Dorchester is managing to sustain the success of the last few years.”

Solicitors expand into Poundbury

A SOLICITORS firm has chosen Dorchester as the first place to house a Dorset branch.

Pardoes solicitors has decided to set up its first county office in Poundbury. Pardoes partner Sue Adams, who will lead the Poundbury branch, said: “We are delighted to be the latest edition to the growing architectural dream in the heart of Dorset.

“Pardoes has seen significant growth in the past two years, despite the recession, and we are delighted to be able to expand even more into Dorset which is an excellent county.”