Construction sign for G33

Independent supermarket Harry Tuffins is crowning off a bumper Christmas with a £500,000 expansion and refit.

Plans are afoot to build a 3,000 sq ft ­garden centre on the side of its 28,000 sq ft store in Craven Arms, Shropshire. It also plans to open a Subway franchise in the spring in company-owned complex the Craven Centre.

Tuffins reported an 8.9% increase in overall shop sales in the four weeks to 4 January. Grocery sales were up 11.6% year on year.

Commercial director Harry Delves said a new entrance with atrium had boosted business, as had a focus on “great deals.” The company also improved its fuel voucher offer to 20p per litre off fuel for a £75 shop.

Tuffins now plans to remove its café from the store and create bespoke areas for fruit & veg and beers, wines and spirits.

Delves said the company was also actively looking for opportunities for new stores.