Chris muscles in on fruit and veg market
AMUSCLE man has weighed in to give the town centre a boost after opening a fruit and veg stall.
Chris Waterhouse, 35, and partner Vicki Waterhouse, have opened a fruit and veg shop in the Grosvenor Centre’s indoor market. It’s the only one in the town centre and breathed life into a shop unit which had been empty for four months after the previous veg shop closed.
With his hefty 21 stone frame and 24 inch biceps, Chris cuts an imposing form behind the counter.
When he’s not bagging up fruit and veg, Chris takes part in strong man competitions, lifting boulders, pulling trucks and lugging logs among other strenuous challenges.
But the dad of two says he has a softer touch when handling the produce on his shop.
He said: “I love doing what I do and meeting the customers. I’m a big friendly giant really.
“It might not be what people expect, selling veg and being in strong man too, but I love both.
“I do all sorts in strong man competitions, lifting cars, logs and beer kegs, but I definitely have to have a more delicate touch with the fruit and veg.
“We’re so pleased to open the shop in Macclesfield. Everyone’s been really welcoming so far. We’re working with shops and restaurants in the town and getting involved in Treacle Market.
“Macclesfield is feeling more vibrant and are happy to be part of it.”
Chris, who lives with Vicki, her daughter Ashlea, 14 and their children Minnie, three, and Har- vey, 20 months, in Wilmslow, knows the fruit and veg business after working in his family’s veg shop which is now in its fourth generation in Cheadle. He decided to expand from the Cheadle shop and open in Mac- clesfield, where he knows plenty of the town’s fitness fans through training at Louis Gym and Silktown gym for his strong man competitions.
He and Vicki also chose Macclesfield after Vicki grew up in the town.
Chris keeps in top physical condition with the help of plenty of fresh fruit and veg from his stall.
He said: “I eat 8,000 calories a day and only the best fruit and veg from my stall of course.
“You’ve got to know what you’re doing in this business. We have a fantastic selection and will get anything people want. We think our shop is just what Macclesfield needs.”
The shop is selling trees and wreaths for Christmas.