A price war has broken out between a pound shop and a new 99p store.
Pricebusters opened for business in Gillingham High Street six months ago, selling items for £1. Now it has cut its prices to 97p after 99p Stores moved in to the old Woolworths store, just three doors away .
Pricebusters store manager Ed Newbold, pictured, said: “It’s a bit like David taking on Goliath.
“We will do whatever we need to do in order to survive as it is a survival game in the current climate. We’re an independent retailer, but 99p Stores has more than 80 stores.
“We knew it was coming a few weeks ago so and we’ve had a lot of support from our suppliers and customers. I met the regional manager on the day and we shook hands and had a bit of friendly banter.
“On the day of opening our trade was better than expected. It’s too early to say what effect it will have on us in the long term, but so far the new store doesn’t appear to have affected us.”
Gerry Loughran, marketing director for 99p Stores, said: “We encourage all competition on the High Street and we were pleased to see and hear Pricebusters trade was actually up on the day of opening.
“We hope we can all share and offer everyone value for money and customers will benefit from the choice they now have on Gillingham High Street.”