A NEW store in which shoppers can browse and purchase an assortment of gifts has opened in a move dubbed "fantastic" for the city.

Menkind, a national retailer which sells tech accessories, quirky gifts, and lifestyle gadgets, has launched a new branch in Colchester.

The store, which has previously had a presence in the city, now has a permanent residence in Culver Street West, located between Ann Summers and Hotel Chocolat.

According to company bosses, Menkind is a brand "that’s all about fun, geeking out, embracing your inner child, and being weirder than broccoli-flavoured ice cream.”

The retailer opened its first store in 2002 and has now expanded across the UK with more than 60 stores nationwide.

Speaking about the arrival of the new shop, Sam Good, manager of the Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) said: "The BID is always pleased to see new businesses opening in Colchester city centre.

"With one of the lowest regional vacancy rates, there are great opportunities in the city centre for new stores.

“Menkind is a well-known brand, and it will definitely be a welcome sight for shoppers as we head into the busy autumn and Christmas period.

"There is currently a lot of discourse about the future of retail in Colchester, including how business models may adapt to its changing environment.

"We look forward to working with our retail businesses towards a prosperous future in this new economic environment."

Gazette: Menkind sell a range of gadgets.Menkind sell a range of gadgets. (Image: Councillor Simon Crow)

The latest addition to the city centre comes after several high-profile brands decided to close their doors.

In 2021, Culver Square’s longstanding retailer, Debenhams, shut for good, leaving a vacant building in its wake.

New proposals, however, will soon see the former shopping complex become home to a Boom Battle Bar, go-karting course and more.

Fashion store Next, meanwhile, closed its city centre branch in March 2022 and supermarket Marks & Spencer shut its High Street location in September 2022.

The city's Wilko is also expected to soon close, due to the company going into administration.

Keen shopper Simon Crow, however, who is also Essex county councillor for Parsons Heath and East Gates, believes the arrival of Menkind is a positive step in the right direction.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see one of the county’s fastest growing retailers has chosen Colchester to open their latest store, offering even more choice to shoppers in our city centre.”