A POPULAR Newport independent men's clothing shop has re-opened with a new look.

Chessmen Clothing at the Spytty Retail Park re-opened on Saturday following an extensive refit, including an eye-catching glass storefront.

The 50-year-old store moved to the retail park five years ago, having previously operated from Skinner Street.

John Stanaway, who took over the business after it came under threat of closure, said he was delighted with the shop's new look.

"You can see in right from the car park," he said.

"I pulled up this morning and the lights on in the store were the first thing I saw."

He added: "We're looking at new lines, and we're considering in the future selling women's or children's clothes.

"The brands we sell are really strong but we need the footfall.

"No one I've spoken to has had a negative word to say about the business.

"Social media and the website will help with that, we hope."

Nick Aston, who has worked for the business for 25 years, said he had seen a lot of changes since he started working at the shop.

"What people are interested in is very different," he said. "When I started it was mostly suits, jackets, shirts and ties because that's what people wore to go out. Today it's a lot more causual. And online shopping has been a big change too."