A BOLTON businessman has opened up a new homeware and toy shop in the town centre, with prices which are ‘cheaper than The Range’.

Li-Ming Tan, who owns the Asian supermarket at Bolton Market, has now taken over a new premises at the old Campcraft Building on Newport Street.

The shop is split into two sections - The Happy Toy Co and New Living.

The shop opened its doors earlier this week to coincide with the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions,

But Mr Tan says trade hasn’t been what he hoped during the first week.

The 31-year-old businessman told The Bolton News: “We are selling toys, homeware and home decor - a really big mix of things really.

“Some of our suppliers also supply The Range, but our prices are cheaper than theirs.

“It’s a bit of an experiment - but I thought that now is as good a time as any to try out something new.”

Mr Tan also plans on selling bubble tea at the premises in the near future in another bid to bring more people into the premises - and is also considering renting out part of the space to a sushi vendor.

He employs three members of staff over at the Asian supermarket in Bolton Market.

But he will be flying solo for the time being initially at the Newport Street shop.

He added: “Hopefully once the bubble tea is up and running, I’ll get more customers through the door.

“It’s an ideal location and the footfall is definitely there - it will just be a case of making sure people know I’m there. Sometimes we have the same problem over at the market.

“I’m looking forward to the roadworks being finished on Newport Street, as well as being hopeful that people start to become more confident as further vaccines are rolled out.”