STUDENTS at a college are getting into the festive spirit early, while putting their business skills to the test.

North Hertfordshire College’s business students are opening up a pop-up Christmas Shop in Hitchin.

The Hermitage Road store – named Season’s Greetings – will open its doors to the public on Monday.

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Watts, from Baldock, said: “We researched the potential customers and then looked for suitable products to sell in the shop from online wholesalers.

“We’ve had to overcome problems and make decisions on the spot, but we’ve learnt a lot more from this real experience than from textbooks.”

Students have had to utilise skills learnt this term, considering human resources, customer service, finance, advertising, marketing and visual merchandising.

Once the shop has been launched, the year one level three extended diploma in business students will wrap presents and hold craft sessions, as well as sell goods.

The store will remain open until Christmas.

Michelle Horseman, 16, from Biggleswade, said: “It’s a one stop shop for Christmas where you can buy presents and get them wrapped as well as decorations.

“We have a workshop area for children where they can come in and make their own personalised Christmas decorations.”

The store will be open six days a week, and run completely by the colleges business students.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/seasonsgreetingsnhc or follow @NHCPopUpShop on Twitter.