East Rudham's new convenience shop Green Tree Stores opens
Days after one village convenience shop closed in East Rudham another opened for business.
Green Tree Stores started trading last Wednesday within the same building as Jane's Coffee Corner, which overlooks the village green.
The new shop is run by Kevin Hurrell, of Heacham, whose wife, Sharon, also has her ladies' fashion accessories business, Charmingly Different, in the conservatory of the same premises.
Said Kevin: "The Rainbow Stores, which used to be in the village closed at the end of August, so the village was without a shop.
"Green Tree Stores is a small convenience outlet which sells day-to-day essentials, such as bread and milk. I also have a selection of fruit and veg, dairy products and a range of fresh food which is supplied by Rachel Wade, who runs Jane's Coffee Corner.
"These include sandwiches, home-made sausage rolls, which are superb, and cheese and fruit scones.
"We are all supporting each other and working closely together, not only supplying products to each other, but also sharing useful advice."
Kevin's suppliers are local and include the Krusty Loaf at Fakenham, Accent Fresh Ltd, of Downham, which supplies the fruit and vegetables, and Roger Holmes, of Coxford, which supplies dairy products and chilled meats.
Kevin has previous experience in retail having worked for 16 years for a national electrical retailer, until he was made redundant in 2012. He then became a self-employed courier, delivering furniture and freight.
"I was travelling around 80,000 miles a year and needed a change. A new village store seemed a good idea as people will still be able to get everyday items.
"The location is ideal as we are next to the A148, we have parking space and overlook a lovely village green," he said.
Jane's Coffee Corner itself is going from strength to strength and Rachel now employs 12 part-time members of staff.
Green Tree Stores will open 7.30am-6pm from Monday to Saturday and 8am to noon on Sundays.