Mary Portas' next challenge - to take on struggling non-fashion retailers

In the third series of Mary Queen of Shops Portas will apply her expertise to six non-fashion British high street independent stores – anything from newsagents, to chemists and bakers – which are in need of her help. The programme has previously featured fashion chains and charity stores.

Last month, Portas appeared  in Mary Portas: Save Our Shops, examining how the recession is threatening the high street and aiming to halt the number of shop closures in the UK. In the show she followed the struggling independent retailers of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire.

Optomen Television which will make the third series says Mary has "a phenomenal talent for unlocking the potential of businesses - both large and small.

"Up to 100 shops a day are closing in Britain. You may also be feeling the pinch. But, through expert advice, sharing the tricks of the trade, and devising a solution specific to your shop, we can try to get your store on the road to success. It's a very special, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Any non-fashion independent retailer that is struggling in the current challenging retail climate and wanting Mary's help are being invited to speak to the television company