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 Most of our readers will already have
seen the bustle of activity at the village store and be wondering what's
to become of it and how this might affect life in Stilton. To get the
inside story, SCAN met with our newest shopkeeper, Matthew Brown.
Highly Regarded
Browns of Peterborough is a
long-established and highly regarded city-centre business. Originally a
butcher's, Browns has for many years also provided a range of fine foods
and premium quality prepared & semi-prepared meat products. With the
changes in our shopping habits and the nature of Peterborough city
centre, however, their central location was becoming a handicap. Fewer
people shop for food in the city centre, prime retail property is
costly, and their delivery business was hampered by traffic congestion
and awkward access. So for some time Matthew Brown, their managing
director, had been looking around for a more suitable location.
Loyal
A large part of Browns' business
is in home delivery to a loyal clientele over a wide area; from March
over to Thrapston and from Stamford down to Huntingdon. Where better to
be than Stilton, with its central location and easy access? And by happy
chance, there was a food business for sale right in the middle!
Committed
Browns' are 100% committed to
Stilton. As you have seen, they are investing heavily in refurbishing
and extending the premises. The exterior is receiving new windows and
much-needed repair to the brickwork - all in keeping with its character
and status as a listed building. At the back will be a new food
preparation area and the old smithy will become store-rooms. And "Browns
of Peterborough" will now become "Browns of Stilton!"
Focal Point
But the new Browns will be much
more than just a butchers. The shop will continue to be a focal point
for local shopping, with a full range of popular products, an
off-licence and, of course, a premium-quality delicatessen. And the
larger premises will allow Browns to extend their range and grow their
business. Matthew Brown put it this way:
"The big supermarkets have
reached a ceiling in their growth. Increasing demand for home delivery,
fine foods and more semi-prepared meals gives the smaller specialist
retailer real potential to grow. This is one practical way to revive the
fortunes of local shops.
“In Stilton, we have the best of
both worlds; we can more easily develop our delivery business to our
existing customers, expand our range of fine foods and provide personal
service to local customers. Stilton fits ideally with the kind of
business we are, and want to remain. And what's even better, we have
persuaded Julie Riches to stay on and manage this new enterprise!"
Delight
Matthew went on to express his
delight at the overwhelming good will shown by Stilton residents since
taking over the business.
Enhance
Parish Council Chairman Olive
Main said: "We were delighted to welcome Browns here. Not only have they
made an irrevocable commitment to Stilton, but they will enhance the
village centre, provide local employment and ensure that a high-quality
general stores remains at the heart of the community."
Tempting
Normally at this point we'd be
urging you to go and support this new local enterprise, but with their
tempting range of goodies we suspect it would be difficult to hold you
back! Here’s some idea of what you have to look forward to....
Treat in Store
Browns already have regular customers in Stilton, but many SCAN
readers probably only shop in a supermarket or the village store and
won't know what they offer. But you have a treat in store! Ever wanted
something out of the ordinary for Christmas dinner, or for a special
dinner party or summer barbecue? Got a bit fed up with pre-packed
"BBQ-flavour ribs" and tasteless chicken? With Browns on your doorstep
your meals may never be the same again! Here are just a few examples of
the kind of mouth-watering delicacies that Browns offer:
Free range eggs
Pork & tomato sausages with rubbed sage
Cointreau & orange pate
Stilton & Guinness pate
Prepared roasting joints of all types
Free-range turkey
Gressingham Duck breast fillets
Venison, wild boar, pheasant
Hand-made meat pies
English & continental cheeses (including Stilton of course!)
Not to mention fine wines, condiments, desserts.... well, you get the
picture!
Comprehensive
For regular customers, they
operate a Valued Customer account scheme which offers concessions on
special promotions, a newsletter and special tasting events. Although
many Stilton residents will no doubt visit the shop, Browns can take
orders for home delivery by phone, fax or email. And if you need
something special for a celebration at home, or a business event, Browns
can provide a comprehensive catering service.
The new business will formally open at the end of
September.
Article: SCAN©
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