New front in store wars (From Barry And District News)

New front in store wars

BARRY'S battle of the stores hots up on Monday with the long-awaited launch of the brand-new Morrisons supermarket at the Waterfront.

After months of speculation, the successful Northern-based company is ready to throw open the doors to the town's expectant shoppers.

The site in Penny Way is seen as being just the vital economic boost that Barry needs. It has created over 320 jobs, will offer locals a wide range of goods and services and could pull people into the town from all over Wales.

It could also prompt other major retailers to move into the Waterfront as confidence in Barry increases.

But while the key figures in the ambitious Waterfront project are delighted, reactions from traders are mixed.

Many of the major supermarkets declined to comment while others seem untroubled. Tesco at Port Road, currently undertaking massive refurbishment, welcomed the new rivals.

A spokesman said: "We never worry about competition. It's healthy and we thrive on it. We are confident that when customers compare what both stores offer, they will see that we are value for money."

Safeways also seems unperturbed. "We're not really worried. We will continue to offer our customers great deals and the service many of our customers have come to appreciate," a spokesman said.

But many of the town's smaller business owners are apprehensive.

A trader told the News: "While we welcome any type of increased retail activity in Barry, we can't help wondering about the knock-on effect. "At the back of our minds, we are thinking 'Will people come to High Street anymore if they can shop for everything under one roof is such a central place?' "

There is also concern that the Waterfront could pull shoppers away from Holton Road. Fears have been intensified by news that the library is to move to the leisure centre, nearer to Morrisons.

The new supermarket also has many attractions including a Market Street feature, a butcher's shop, a fishmonger, a bakery and a 200-seater restaurant selling famous 'Big Breakfasts'.

Morrisons manager Paul O'Hanlon told the News: "There is room for everybody - we normally bring people into the towns in which we set up." Kids check out store's signs - see page 5.