beat the recession.

The XMAS Warehouse and Bargain Outlet, on Union Street, Hamilton, next to the Liberty Theatre, will sell cut price items, said Ms Webb.

"Because of the recession people are looking for bargains since their disposable income is less than it has been in the past.

"We are bringing in a large quantity of items specifically geared towards Christmas and, also, many other products geared for the whole year. Prices are being kept as low as possible.'' The new store will sell many different items, including children's toys, household appliances, costume jewellery, gifts and Christmas oriented products.

Stock is being brought in from the United States and the Far East, said Ms Webb.

The Xmas Warehouse and Bargain Outlet is very much a family affair, with Ms Webb's cousin Miss Timerley Webb working as assistant manager and her mother Ms Hester Webb and nephew Mr. Michael Webb also helping out.

Ms Webb used to run a ladies' high fashion clothing store called Norema de Paris, on Front Street, until she got out of the business in the late eighties because she said she saw the recession coming.

Her new store is open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and, from November 15 to Christmas Eve, from 9.30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

THREE'S COMPANY -- Miss Timerley Webb (left), Ms Renee Webb (centre) and Ms Hester Webb will run the new XMAS Warehouse and Bargain Outlet on Union Street in Hamilton.