A BUSINESSMAN has taken over a convenience store and says he’s determined to make it a huge success.

Vishal Patel, 35, has bought Best-one in Warren Road, Woodingdean.

It was shut for eight weeks but Vish has now bought it and wants to make the shop popular.

He said: “I really believe that this store has great potential and I want it to become a really important party of the local community.

“We are well placed in Woodingdean.

“There are a massive number of houses here.

“We have a hospital opposite and a school just down the road.

“This road is also used by people driving down to Brighton Marina and using the big Asda.

“The footfall is growing steadily and I want to appeal to more local people.”

Vish, who has worked in insurance and lives in Crawley, says he can offer a wide variety for customers.

Variety

He said: “We sell it all: newspapers, alcohol, cigarettes, groceries, general goods and pet food as well as fresh fruit and veg which we get from wholesalers in Brighton.

“But I want to do more.

“I am hoping that we will be able to put a Post Office counter in very soon.

“I will also be selling Lottery tickets soon as well.

“The more I can do the better.

“I am primarily running the shop myself but with help from my family.

“We are doing a leaflet drop throughout Woodingdean this week and we are also stepping up our social media activity.

“I’m keen to get the message across that we’re here after the shop closed for eight weeks until I bought it.

“More than being here, I want it to be a big success. I think it will be.”

The shop is open from 7.30am until 7.30pm six days a week with Sundays 8am until 2pm.

He said: “I respect that it’s a tight-knit community here and I want to be part of that.

“I’m very well stocked up now and ready to serve the people with what they want.

“It’s very exciting for me and my family.

“I see it as a great opportunity to build up this business, it can most certainly be done.

“To do this, I know I have to sell what will appeal to people.

“That way, I will increase the footfall slowly and that is what I need to do.

“Come along and see us.”