Convenience store operator says focus is on helping Peterborough customers through cost of living crisis

Entrepreneur Siva Thievanayagam has just begun an extensive overhaul of his Simply Local store in Southfield Drive, Stanground, which he bought three years ago.

He said: “These are challenging times for us all.

“We are trying to help customers through the cost of living crisis by ensuring lower prices and better product ranges.

“For our elderly customers we do home deliveries. We do what we can for the community.”

The new store is one eight operated by Mr Thievanayagam who employs 130 people at shops in Stilton, Stanground, Belsize Avenue, Peterborough, Fletton, Orton Malborne and St Neots and Stamford.

He said: “The store standard needs improving and bringing up to date with a new offer for shoppers and plenty of great deals.

“I am very excited to get the project underway, and get the team ready.

He said: “It is a full refurbishment - everything will be new.

“There will be new fixtures and fittings to create a contemporary and inviting shop for local shoppers.

“It will be a Nisa Local store with a raft of new products and services and with a major focus on hot and chilled food to go, a selection of drinks to go as well as extensive fresh and frozen ranges.

“It will provide shoppers with a full convenience offer, including strong promotional deals and a large Co-op own-brand range.

“There will be a deli counter, breakfast and Italian pizza as well as frozen food discount lines.”

Mr Thievanayagam said the new store will re-open on December 9 and the team of 10 staff will be grown to 25.

Forty year record highs for inflation at 10.1 per cent, although food inflation is reckoned to be 14.1per cent while 15-year-high interest rates at three per cent, have combined to make it a highly challenging time to be in business.

Mr Thievanayagam said: “The rise in interest rates increases the amount of money we have to pay the banks.

“We need more money at a time when our customers have less money than before.

He said: “The refurbishment will also include LED lighting and more efficient fridges and freezers to keep the cost of electricity down.

“Energy bills are the problem. Wages not the problem - better wages encourage staff.

“There is supposed to be a reduction in electricity prices from the Government but I haven’t seen anything.

“We were on 18 pence a unit for our electricity but that is going up to 86 pence a unit.

“I am putting off agreeing to a renewal until I have seen what’s in the Autumn budget.”

Despite the challenges, Mr Thievanayagam did not rule out the possibility of extending his chain of shops.

He said: “If all goes well, we’ll look to expand the business next year.”

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