TWO Chard sisters who first started selling sweets to pay for their dog’s medical bills have opened a store in the town centre after business was booming.

Kimberley and Kesley Skinner opened up their new shop, Skinner Treatz, on 37 Fore Street on Saturday, with their other sister Cody also set to work in the store at the weekend.

The two older sisters have been running the company online and through Facebook for the past year.

Kimberley said: “We originally started after my dog, Scooby, got sick and his medication was costing £650 a month and all profits were then used to help pay off his vet bills.

“After such a great response, we decided to keep it going.

“In November of last year, we added a small amount of toy range which also was very popular so now the next step is to get up and running in a shop.

“We have given ourselves a two-month trial period and are hoping to succeed in this time.”

The shop sells mostly children’s toys, with a pre-loved section and some sweets on offer.

The opening day was a great success with the store open from 9am to 5pm.

The Skinners had someone in to do face painting for the launch and have more plans to keep things fun in the future.

Kimberley added: “In time, if we are successful, we are hoping to host workshops for kids on the weekends and holidays and also progress onto getting a qualification and insurance for glitter tattoos and face painting.”

Following the shop’s first day, the pre-loved section in particular proved to be a great hit with customers and the sisters are looking to restock quickly.

The store, which is based between Tar Residential and Chard Newsagents, was closed on Friday and Bank Holiday Monday, but reopened to traders on Tuesday.

The family firm also provides a sweet delivery service featuring pick n mix classics.

After Saturday, Kimberley took to social media to thank those who attended the opening event.

She said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to absolutely everyone who came in and supported us today.

“Although the shop may seen pretty bare at the moment, we will have more stock coming in over the next few weeks. Please do let us know if you have any requests and we will do our best.

“Once again thank you for all your support and we hope you liked what we have to offer.”

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Skinnertreatz.