A KIDS’ stationery retailer is set to open a brand new store in Swindon on Friday, just in time for heading back to school.

Australian company Smiggle, named after a combination of a smile and a giggle, arrived in the UK in February 2014, and the Swindon store is just one of the many new openings in 2017.

The brightly coloured new shop will be located next to H&M in The Parade and shoppers are encouraged to head down from 9am on Friday.

John Cheston, managing director of Smiggle, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our store here in Swindon. We’ve done our homework and spent many hours scouting out the best locations for our fans, so we knew that Swindon was the place to be.

“I’m thrilled that we’re opening our doors on Friday, August 18, just in time for fans to get kitted out as they head back to school.

“We can’t wait to see fans’ reactions to the ranges for this school term.”

Smiggle sells a range of different products from back to school essentials such as backpacks, pencil cases and stationery to DIY kits, toys, games and puzzles.

Smiggle now has over 100 stores across the UK including five stores in Scotland, one each in Wales and Northern Ireland, and two recently launched stores in the Republic of Ireland.

They have their sights firmly set on reaching 200 store locations by 2019.

“Let the Smiggle-mania commence,” said John.