(Saving you all from the horror that is the Sentinel Website)
A PAIR of market stall-holders have decided to team up to open a store in Stafford town centre.
La Bolsa and Discounts and Deals are taking on a unit in Princes Street, which will open on Saturday.
Both businesses will operate from the site, with La Bolsa continuing to sell its handbags and accessories in one half and Discounts and Deals selling household goods, tools and pet products in the other.
The two have been in Stafford Market for some time and wanted to expand.
But La Bolsa owners Kevin and Rose Thomas and Discounts and Deals bosses Derek Hodgkiss and David Plant were concerned about the costs of taking on extra stalls.
Instead they decided to join forces and open a shop, which means they can split the costs involved and concentrate on making their businesses a success.
Kevin said: “We have been in the market for three years and had begun looking for a shop for La Bolsa so we could expand but we were struggling to find the right sized unit in the town.
“But then we decided to join with Discounts and Deals as they were looking to expand as well. It seemed to be the best of both worlds.
“I think more and more businesses are having to look at doing things differently now.”
The deputy mayor of Stafford Borough is to help launch the shop on Saturday at 11am.
Kevin added: “Both businesses have built up a following and we hope our regulars will follow us here and that we also gain some new customers.
“I think we will be quite different in that we’re offering. It’s quite an exciting time.”
