THE town s empty shops continue to fill up after a new convenience store opened in Exeter Road.

THE town's empty shops continue to fill up after a new convenience store opened in Exeter Road.

Retailer Mike Bird heads up Exe Trading and has opened his sixth store, a new 1020 square feet Costcutter store.

The opening of the store follows a report by town councillor Steve Gazzard, submitted to the Town Management, which shows that 24 town centre shops are empty or do not have plans to reopen.

This is a marked improvement from just six months ago - in January there were 30 vacant units.

Exe Trading is a family business and includes Mike's wife Hilary, his daughters Emma and Katie and Katie's husband Gary.

Mike said: "The growth of our business and the opening of each new store have been completely funded by the profitability of our existing stores.

"This strong profitability is undoubtedly aided by the support given from Costcutter and in particular by the various loyalty schemes..."

He added that business was brisk especially with fresh produce: "Our 'fresh offer' is our unique selling point; it is what sets us apart.

"No one else is offering a good fresh range locally. We've placed fresh produce first in flow, it's bright and attractive and our customers are buying it. The sales figures speak for themselves.