New shop for Newbury

The India Shop is set to open in town tomorrow (Saturday), but the race is on to get it ready in time

A NEW shop is set to open in Newbury tomorrow (Saturday), although a frantic rush is on to get the store ready in time.

The India Shop, which sells a variety of Fairtrade gifts, is set to open on Bridge Street at 9am tomorrow after taking up a short term lease on a unit next to Griffin Butchers, which was formerly occupied by Cotton Traders.

However, work to fit out the shop only started today (Friday), leaving John Wyles and his team less than 24 hours to prepare.

Mr Wyles said earlier today: “There is quite a lot of work to do and it is a huge job.

“We have a lot to move in and install, including shop fittings and lights and it is going to be a busy few hours.

“It is terribly exciting.”

Mr Wyles said the shop would sell a variety of Fairtrade gifts made in India, including a selection of Christmas decorations, photo frames and throws, among many other things.

The India Shop already has shops in Marlborough, Salisbury and Wantage and Mr Wyles said the family firm had been looking ‘on and off' to get into Newbury for quite a while.

He said: “Newbury seems to have an awful lot of people walking up and down with shopping bags.

“This is a short term trial to see how we get on and if it is an amazing success, we would be crazy to leave.”