The Gibbons Company has expanded its business with the opening of a new store in Washington Mall III.

The new store, which will be launched on Monday and will occupy approximately 8,000 square feet of the ground floor, will feature the company's bed, bath and home decor departments which will be moved from the existing location.

It will have a modern look and feel to the place complete with stylish overhead spot lamps, point of sale and flooring and even a 'wall of words' with quotations from famous people about the home, right down to tinted glass fronts to reduce glare and conserve energy.

Stock will range from exclusive artwork, rugs and home furnishings to duvets, pillows, blankets, comforters and matching sheet sets to towels.

A number of businesses have already moved into the new Mall, including The Booth and All Wrapped Up, with the Beluga Bar set to open soon. Insurer Catlin currently occupies the top floor office space.

"We want to broaden our selection for the customers, but still maintain the price and value that we have always offered at the Gibbons Company," said Paula Clarke, CEO of the Gibbons Company, who had been in negotiations with landlords Washington Properties over the lease since March.

"We just want to emphasise that we believe in offering variety to the residents of Bermuda in the hope that Bermuda earned dollars remain and are spent in Bermuda." Ms Clarke said that there had been a limited availability of large retail space in Hamilton and when the premises came onto the market the company decided to take up the opportunity despite the tough economic times.

The new store, which is based on the Church Street side of the Mall and covers most of the floor, has the advantage of being centrally located and easily accessible, particularly for those buying bulky items, with City Hall car park opposite.

The Gibbons Company will be taking on six new staff to run the store and focus on the core part of its business - the home.

The launch of the new store will enable the company to expand its fashion departments onto the second floor of its current premises next year and reworking its other departments as well as expanding its lines and adding fresh products.

"There has been a lot of interest and curiosity in the new store," said Ms Clarke. "I think that our imaginative displays have caught people's eye."

"The most important thing for us is to continue to demonstrate to the customer that we are working with them in mind and listen to what they have to say and respond to it."

The Gibbons Company has launched a number of new initiatives in recent weeks including the publication of a price comparison chart highlighting the value of goods in Bermuda versus the US, in addition to customised gift cards, personal shoppers and free delivery for online purchases until December 20, and having a presence on Facebook and Twitter.

The new store will be open from Monday to Thursday between 8.30am and 6pm, on Friday from 8.30am to 9pm, Saturday from 8.30am to 6pm and Sunday between 1pm and 5pm.

For more information about the new store contact the Gibbons Company on 295-0022.