TENBURY trader Garry Thompson wants shops in the town to grasp the opportunities being created by the arrival of Tesco and is putting his money where his mouth is.

Two years after opening the sweet shop Mr Thoms, Garry is taking over what was Ashley’s Bakery next door.

Now he is running a combined sweet, cake and sandwich shop.

When Ashley Pugh decided it was time to pull out of Tenbury, Garry Thompson, who has the shop next door, decided that this could be the opportunity that he has been waiting for.

In the two years since he opened Mr Thoms, Garry says that he has been able to double turnover with a combination of a wide range of sweets and a speciality with Belgium Chocolate.

“Since Tesco opened there has been a bit of a fall-off in my sweet sales,” said Garry.

“Not a lot but I decided that it was the right time to look at ways in which I could broaden the appeal of my business.

“When I found out that Ashley wanted to move away from Tenbury to concentrate on his other shops, it seemed to be the perfect opportunity.

“We have turned the two shops into one which provides a better experience for our customers and I have been able to take on two of Ashley’s staff. At the present time we are employing some six people full- and part-time in the business.”

A range of bakery products will still be supplied by Ashley and other suppliers, including specialist bakers from Wales, are also providing pies and other items.

“It is early days but the signs have been very positive with the sandwiches selling especially well,” said Garry.

He said that the chocolate sales tended to be more seasonal with the run-up to Christmas and then Easter especially busy.

“We have a gift-wrapping service and have been sending chocolates all over the world but the bakery business will help give is more of an all-year-round appeal,” Garry Thompson said.

“I am treasurer of the Chamber of Trade and have been speaking to other businesses about how the arrival of Tesco can provide an opportunity.

“There is no doubt that Tesco has taken some business but at the same time they have attracted more people into the town, which is a lot busier than it was.

“What other shops have to do is get more of the people that are coming into Tenbury to buy from them. Tesco is here so we need to try to see this as an opportunity.”

Garry Thompson estimates that about 75 per cent of his business comes from locals and the remainder from visitors.

He said that he understands the concerns that some shops in the town have about the arrival of Tesco and added that there had been shock about the job losses at Bowketts supermarket.

“Despite the concerns, I am hopefully and looking forward to a good summer,” Garry added.