David Elliott and Richard Clews with models Lauren Botha, Emily Miller and Sophie Hamilton in the new Voisins retail space. Picture by Rob Currie (00759273)

TWO Jersey businesses have come together to form a new concept in department store shopping.

Axle Woman, part of the Collections Group, has moved from the corner of Bath Street into the first-floor space at Voisins, offering top fashion brands, including a number not previously available in the Island.

All 26 brands will be exclusive to Voisins, including French Connection which is relocating from the current King Street premises.

The £1.5 million refurbishment and fit-out has all been carried out by local firms in an effort to recycle the Jersey pound and support the ‘buy local’ campaign.

The changes are the first phase of an upgrade of the King Street premises which is now the oldest independently-owned department store in the British Isles.

Voisins managing director David Elliott said: ‘We wanted all the fashion brands, but Axle already had them. This Island is not big enough for two suppliers, so we sat down and had an interesting conversation.’