Residents have welcomed the opening of a new convenience store today – despite previous concerns it could impact Tenterden’s “unique” high street.
The Premier shop has taken the place of the former Antiques Centre unit, which had run for more than 30 years.
Fears had been raised that it would not fit in with the character of the town centre, which is known for its independent traders.
Similar concerns were voiced following the launch of a Domino’s pizza takeaway last year.
But dozens of people have taken to social media to hail the arrival of the Premier store – which is the high street’s only convenience store.
Lin Brooker said: “Wonderful. Clean, bright and useful for small buys and quicker than queuing at the supermarket. Got to admit it’s better than another tea shop.”
Meanwhile, Jo Davis added: “Brilliant. It looks very smart too. That’s one of the quickest set-ups I’ve seen – they must’ve worked hard.”
The store, vacant since January, opened this morning, with staff and family members helping to get it ready.
Colourful balloons and several posters advertising offers now lace the shopfront, which is to trade seven days a week from 7am until 9pm.
Premier is owned by Booker Group – a subsidiary of Tesco – and has more than 4,000 stores in the UK, selling groceries, snacks and cheap meals.
An alcohol licence has also been submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC), which, if approved, would see the store’s hours extended from 6am to 11pm.
Cllr Kayleigh Brunger-Randall (Con), who represents the Weald North ward, previously said the Premier store could be useful for residents, especially when existing supermarkets Tesco and Waitrose close on a Sunday.
“I’m glad to see a vacant space being utilised,” she said.
“Premier is great for the workers in the high street on the go, or for the residents who need something out of hours.
“I just hope they do not take too much trade away from our already competitive eateries with convenience food, and their frontage is in keeping with the conservation area.
“As a tourist hotspot, the cafes, pubs and restaurants rely on trade to keep afloat.”
Tenterden is also home to Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero and Holland and Barrett, among other national chains.
