MORGAN CLARE, the award winning Harrogate designer womenswear shop, has reopened after a £200,000 redesign, doubling the size of the shop to 3,500sq ft, to become what its owners described as a "mini-department store".

The shop, in Montpelier Gardens, which offers top label women's clothing and accessories, will now sell designer goods.

Su Allard, 36, co-owner with her husband, Martin, said: "As far as we are aware, we are the first independent of our type to go down the route of a mini-department store."

Well established labels, such as Diane Von Furstenburg, Paul Smith, Joseph and Margaret Howell, will be joined by brands such as Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Poleci, Princesse Tam Tam and Missoni Swim.

Since its launch, Morgan Clare has won two major awards at the Fashion Retail Awards, run by leading trade magazine Drapers Record.

It was named UK winners of the Best New Store in 1997 and the UK's Best Designer Store in 2001 after their first expansion doubled the shop to 1500sq ft.

Updated: 11:26 Friday, November 26, 2004