A Dover man has opened a carpet store in the town following his online success.

Jay Shepherd, 34, of Target Firs in Temple Ewell, is the proud owner of The Floor Store in Poulton Road, Dover.

He began trading via Facebook but because of high demand he decided to open a shop.

Mr Shepherd opened his doors for the first time on February 15 and business has been steady ever since.

The local tradesman chose Dover as a place to set himself up as he branded it a convenient location.

The father of three said: “People have their carpets fitted, they take pictures and I got recommended.

“The next step was for me to open a shop.

“People talk down about it but Dover is definitely getting better.”

He believes trade is going so well because he takes samples to people’s homes to help speed up choice in a convenient way.

He added: “It is a brand new way of buying carpets.

“We take the carpet shop to their house – they can see
in their own home what things are going to look like.”

Mr Shepherd wants to expand in order to employ more people and to prove that independent businesses can still reap success.

He currently employs five members of staff, three sales assistants and two carpet fitters.

"It is a big gamble starting a business in an unstable climate.” - Jay Shepherd, owner at the Floor Store

Mr Shepherd shared his advice for other shop owners. He added: “I would say think outside of the box.

“Look at what your competitors are doing right now. Everyone is struggling at the moment.”