A WREXHAM couple are opening their first high street clothes shop after starting the business during lockdown.

Lisa Tudor, and her husband Craig, run CiCi - a women's activewear clothing range.

Lisa was forced to retire from her a job as a literacy co-ordinator aged just 36 due to declining health as she battles Multiple Sclerosis and Type 1 Diabetes.

Her husband, Craig, who is a coach and pro at Mold Golf Club, was unable to work during the first Covid lockdown. It was then that the couple, who have two young children, set out on a new venture.

The pair of Wrexham AFC season ticket holders began designing and selling leggings - some of which had personal, empowering messages imprinted on them. 

Their online business quickly grew - and they started offering a wider range of products. Lisa and Craig then acquired a small unit on Wrexham Industrial Estate to help with distribution. 

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And now, they are about to open their first high street shop. 

They have taken on a unit on Queen Street as part of the Chapter Court project - opposite Sports Direct. The shop will be opening its doors at 10am tomorrow (Saturday, February 4). 

Craig and Lisa said opening a high street shop is a gamble - but one worth taking with Wrexham "very much on the up". 

They said: "This Saturday we open our first High Street store in the heart of Wrexham. Our hometown has supported us so well since our lockdown launch and continues to do so. We wouldn’t have got this far without the amazing local support and this Saturday we look forward to welcoming you to our new store and thanking you all personally.

"This will be a relatively soft opening for the first few weeks as we iron out any teething problems, settle into the new routine and become accustomed to the new systems required when operating both a physical and online store.

"From March 2 we will be fully open, with longer opening hours and new collections and products landing on a regular basis."

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As well as leggings, they also have a range of other sports and casual wear products. 

Lisa has been known as Cici since when she was little - hence the business' name. 

"Our mission is to inspire more women to carry out more regular aerobic exercise whilst we raise awareness and funds for two charities that are so close to our hearts, the MS Society and Diabetes UK," Lisa and Craig said.

A percentage of the sale of each of CiCi's products goes to both charities - with over £5,000 raised to date. 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.

The Leader: Lisa and her two sons, Flynn (7) and Myles (10). Lisa and her two sons, Flynn (7) and Myles (10). (Image: Family photo)