A 'pop up' store with a difference has set up shop at Braehead.

Bosses of the Phoenix Car Company have rented two shop units at the mall in an ambitious bid to cash in on Christmas.

The Paisley-based car dealer is showcasing a range of new cars as well as scooters for adults and motorbikes for children.

Sales staff are also selling lawnmowers.

The company moved into a ground floor unit, opposite the Apple store, and rented a unit directly above on the first floor to create Britain's first 'pop-up' car showroom.

A spokesman said: "We have created an automotive first. Customers can now browse the latest models and offers while Christmas shopping in Braehead.

"We have used two existing units to open the first dealer pop- up stores in the UK.

"Our staff are enjoying meeting customers old and new who have been surprised to see us in the centre.

"The top floor unit has been transformed into an exciting Honda brand centre.

"It's a great location to see scooters, kids' motorbikes, motorcycles, lawn mowers and of course our range of Honda cars."

Sales staff are also inviting shoppers to pop in and attempt to create a lap speed record on a sports car simulator, which is proving to be a big draw.

The spokesman added: "Over the coming weeks we will be showcasing all our brands on the lower level. There will be special guests, including Celtic players and Glasgow Rocks basketball players, who will be making appearances.

"We will have exciting competitions running, including 'Win A Car For a Year', and some exclusive discounts.

"The all new Hyundai i10 will makes its UK debut here and the Honda 1.6 CR-V diesel with it stunning mpg figure of 62.8 is already turning shoppers' heads."

The novel showrooms have the backing of mall boss Peter Beagley.

He said: "For the first time at Braehead we have a pop-up car showroom.

"We're sure that this unique venture will be very successful for Phoenix, as we expect hundreds of thousands of people to pass through the centre in this busy period leading up to and immediately after Christmas - particularly with our extended trading hours.

"The showroom has only been open a few days and already it has created a huge amount of interest, with lots of people going in to have a look at the cars on display."

Phoenix chiefs admit they may consider long-term leases for other shop units which become available at Braehead.

Mr Beagley added: "We're always trying to give our shoppers something a bit different and this is certainly the case with the car showroom."

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk