ICONIC Newport clothes store Chessmen has reopened with a new look to mark its 50th anniversary and new ownership.

Chessmen, based at Newport Retail Park, is now owned by city businessman John Stanaway and his family firm Stanreed Limited, and reopened to the public on Saturday after a week-long refit.

The store has new wooden floors, new lighting, and better changing areas and seating, along with more stock, new lines and a wider range of sizes to suit everyone

Originally launched in 1968, Chessmen was based on Skinner Street in the city centre for many years but moved to the retail park five years ago.

There was plenty of interest in the new-look store on Saturday, as Mr Stanaway and store manager Nick Aston, who has been with Chessmen for several years, welcomed customers.

Mr Stanaway was delighted with the refit and reaction to it.

“The store looks fantastic. When I drove in early on Saturday morning all the lights were on and it really stood out to anyone arriving at the retail park,”

he said.

“People might have forgotten we were here, but you can’t miss us now. “This the start of an exciting new chapter for Chessmen and we can’t wait to unveil some of the other initiatives we have planned for the store.”

One of these initiatives will be regular special guest appearances at the store, and these start this Saturday (May 12) when Newport singer songwriter Jack Perrett will be playing an acoustic set from around 1pm.

Ranges stocked by the revamped Chessmen include Liam Gallagher’s Pretty Green, Farah, Original Penguin, Guide London and Mish Mash.

Chessmen can be followed on Twitter @chessmen_npt or Facebook @ChessmenClothing