Denise Lovett, a young and ambitious country girl with only her wits to live on, arrives in a booming Northern city to take up a long-held promise of work in her uncle's drapery shop. But she soon discovers that her uncle cannot afford to employ her as most of his customers have been seduced away by The Paradise, England's first department store, right across the street.
Denise adapts to survive in her new job at The Paradise, a glamorous department store in a booming Victorian city, and catches the eye of Moray, the store's charismatic owner. Moray has big ambitions to expand, but at what cost?
When Sam comes to the rescue of a customer, a misunderstanding threatens his career and The Paradise's reputation. Excitement spreads when a new promotion is announced, leaving Miss Audrey flustered and Denise an opportunity to shine in Moray's eyes.
A shocking discovery in Ladieswear causes ripples through the store. To test Moray's feelings, Katherine pursues another man. Miss Audrey bans Denise from having any more ideas, forcing Denise to use all her cunning.
Miss Audrey develops a mysterious illness which provokes a rivalry between Denise and Clara. Katherine enjoys the effect Peter is having on her life, but is it enough to banish all thoughts of Moray?
Moray's neighbour fulfils his ambition to work at The Paradise, leading to all kinds of trouble within the store. Denise's new brainwave ruffles some feathers, and Katherine goes to extreme lengths to win Moray's attention.
Denise cannot hold onto her secret any longer but will it spell the end of her career? Moray commits to a life-changing decision, and Jonas resorts to blackmail.
Katherine sets out to prove her credentials as the soon-to-be Mrs Moray while Denise wins over the Tollgate Street shopkeepers and rises to her biggest challenge yet.
With the big day approaching Moray has a big decision to make - can he find the courage when he needs it most? Or will a threatening ghost from the past bring him to his knees?
