A French boutique, which claims to sell items “you would find in your closet”, is hoping to replicate the success of similar businesses across the channel.

Paris-born Maryvonne O’Brien, 52, launched The Closet, in High Street, Wanstead, last Tuesday.

The store sells a range of items including underwear, pyjamas, jewellery and deodorant, for both men and women.

Explaining the venture, Mrs O’Brien said: “It is a concept store that I haven’t seen in this country before. We basically sell everything you would find in your closet.

“This kind of shop is really popular in France so I want to see how it does in the village atmosphere of Wanstead.

“The high street here really gives the area its identity and it is so important to have variety, rather than the same stores and stuff you find in shopping centres.

 “I have always wanted to open a unique business and I finally decided to do it.

“The community has really come together to support me and the feedback has been good.”

Mrs O’Brien moved to UK to study English, but loved the area so much she has stayed in Wanstead for 30 years.

For more on this story, see next week's Guardian - out Thursday