Controversy stirred up by a predatory pricing row led to a bumper opening week for Harry Tuffins' new Ludlow store - but question marks remain over the timing of a price promotion in the town by Tesco.
Tuffins MD Paul Delves said despite fears that a major discount being offered by the local Tesco could spoil the opening of his new store in Ludlow last week, the publicity generated had instead brought the crowds into the shop in droves.
"We have a strong name in the area," said Delves. "But there was clearly something of a Tesco effect on our trading. I expect to have sales of £55,000 in the first week, not bad for a 3,000 sq ft store."
The controversy started when Tesco sent out a leaflet to shoppers in Ludlow offering £10 off if they spent just £30. The vouchers covered the week before the Tuffins store opened and three weeks after.
Tesco claimed the timing was an "unfortunate coincidence" and was related to the refreshment of its store in November. However, it emerged this week that the new Tuffins store had originally been slated to open the same month, raising further concerns about Tesco's tactics.
Questions are also likely to be asked as to why Tesco waited until January to issue the vouchers if they were linked to a store revamp months earlier.
Tesco director of communications Jon Church reiterated this week that the vouchers were linked to the introduction of the new premium lines at the store during November.
Delves also attributed his store's first week success to the popularity of its 200 locally sourced lines and on-shelf information showing how few miles they have had to travel, which he said had helped generate strong takings.
Demand for these had led to emergency orders from local suppliers, Delves claimed, adding that he now planned to expand the number of local lines in its other five stores.
Tuffins MD Paul Delves said despite fears that a major discount being offered by the local Tesco could spoil the opening of his new store in Ludlow last week, the publicity generated had instead brought the crowds into the shop in droves.
"We have a strong name in the area," said Delves. "But there was clearly something of a Tesco effect on our trading. I expect to have sales of £55,000 in the first week, not bad for a 3,000 sq ft store."
The controversy started when Tesco sent out a leaflet to shoppers in Ludlow offering £10 off if they spent just £30. The vouchers covered the week before the Tuffins store opened and three weeks after.
Tesco claimed the timing was an "unfortunate coincidence" and was related to the refreshment of its store in November. However, it emerged this week that the new Tuffins store had originally been slated to open the same month, raising further concerns about Tesco's tactics.
Questions are also likely to be asked as to why Tesco waited until January to issue the vouchers if they were linked to a store revamp months earlier.
Tesco director of communications Jon Church reiterated this week that the vouchers were linked to the introduction of the new premium lines at the store during November.
Delves also attributed his store's first week success to the popularity of its 200 locally sourced lines and on-shelf information showing how few miles they have had to travel, which he said had helped generate strong takings.
Demand for these had led to emergency orders from local suppliers, Delves claimed, adding that he now planned to expand the number of local lines in its other five stores.
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