New look for Perth Street newsagents
Businessman Sandy Sarwar branches out into Blairgowrie
The newsagents on Perth Street in Blairgowrie has been given a new lease of life following an extensive refurbishment by new owner Sandy Sarwar.
Sandy also runs the PriceKracker store on Commercial Street in Alyth – which was devastated by the flooding that hit the town in July last year just three weeks after Sandy had bought the shop – as well as shops in Dundee.
He took over the Perth Street premises last month and spent around a week clearing the shop out, extending it, levelling the floor and installing new shop fittings, environmentally friendly lighting, refrigeration, staff facilities, display racks and shelving.
Following the transformation, the shop, which Sandy says is the first in Blair to be affiliated with the Premier brand, has a hugely expanded range of stock.
Sandy has kept on all the existing shop staff and paper boys, and says that customers have been impressed by the new look store.
He said: “The shop is completely different to what it was before and people have been impressed by it when they come in.
“We are keeping all the seasonal products that were available before like the annuals for example but are adding lots of new products as well.
“We have a new computerised system for the paper deliveries which the staff have all been trained in and enjoy using.
“I am always looking at new services that we can provide for the community and we have a hot drinks machine here and card facilities for utility payments and topups.”
One member of staff who has worked in the shop for over 20 years is Fiona Lipp.
She said: “It’s a lovely, nice, new, shiny shop and I hope all our customers like it. I’m looking forward to serving lots of customers both old and new.”
Sandy and his family are hosting an over50s lunch in Airlie Street Hall in Alyth on Wednesday.
This is the second year that the Sarwar family have organised the lunch, after they decided to do something last year to thank the community in Alyth for all their support during the flood.
Sandy says: “It was very popular last year, a really good afternoon, and people had an enjoyable time so we are delighted to be able to do it again this year and are looking forward to another good event.”