A long established Haverfordwest trader is making the jump from stall to shop.
After 10 years trading in the town’s Riverside Market, Brewers Army Surplus store is opening up in Bridge Street this month.
Owner Nicola Brewer from Llangwm said the jump into a retail shop had been driven by the Council’s plans for the market.
“Although we didn’t initially want to move, we decided to be positive, take advantage of the change that was coming and move forward,” she said.
“The business was ready to expand and grow and the move will enable this to happen.”
Nicola, who also owns Haverfordwest alternative gift shop the Funky Den, has been running the army surplus store at Riverside Market since 2004.
“We were doing OK and had expanded into a larger unit,” she said.
“However when the Council said that it proposed moving the County Library into the market building and relocate traders, there was a great deal of uncertainty.”
She and the shop’s administrator Jayne Couzens decided to be proactive and turn the uncertainty into an opportunity for the business.
“We contacted the Council’s property department who were extremely supportive and provided significant assistance to enable our move,” said Jayne, from Fishguard.
“This is a much bigger shop and footfall here in Bridge Street is higher. Location in trade is everything.”
Councillor Elwyn Morse, Cabinet Member for Culture said the Council would support market traders who wanted to relocate.
“Brewers Army Surplus has shown that the spirit of entrepreneurship is not dead but alive and kicking. They may not initially have wanted to move but have responded incredibly positively to change. We wish them every success in their new home.”
Now the store, which as well as army surplus kit also stocks workwear, hunting and wet weather gear, is making its final preparations before opening up to the public.
The new and expanded stock has been laid out, security apparatus switched on and they are also preparing to go online at: www.brewersarmysurplus.co.uk
“I’d like to see more of the long standing market traders join us here,” said Nicola.
“Hopefully we can give Bridge Street a bit of a boost too!”
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