A NEW toy/gift shop has recently opened in New Cumnock, stocking local designers and offering youngsters and adults in the area the chance to pick up a new gadget, play thing or special present for a loved one.

LFN - which stands for Laughter and Fun Nights - opened on Castle Street around three weeks ago and is run by Alison Malone and partner Robert Glover who have been living in the town for five years.

Although the couple have been trading online for around four years, they decided to take it one step further by opening the shop after hearing whispers from locals that there was not a shop selling toys and other fun items for wee ones.

Alison told the Chronicle: “There were a few kids talking about a toy shop because obviously there’s not anything like that in New Cumnock so we thought, why not?

“It’s very slow at the moment, I don’t know whether that’s because of the position that the shop is in or because people are struggling at the moment.

“There is a handmade card maker in store that rents shelves and I’ve got a hair bow maker, too. There is more availability for shelves to be rented out for crafters, we haven’t advertised it yet but if people are interested then please do get in touch.”

On the difficulties for businesses at the moment, Alison commented: “We weren’t put off by the pandemic but we’re hoping things get a bit better. We do really well online, especially towards Christmas, so we’re hoping to do the same with footfall.

“We auction a whole array of items online and we do handbags as well as toys and gifts, we’re just waiting on being allowed to do pick’n’mix, too. It’s a good shop to have in the community.”

LFN is open 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday. Follow Laughter & Fun Nights on Facebook for more.