Corner shop pair left amazed by the kindness of their customers

COUPLE TOLD TO PUT THEIR FEET UP

GREAT SERVICE: Pratik and Bee Master of Wigston Fields News and Deli

AS “non-essential” retailers tentatively reopen their doors, the hus- band and wife team at one essential shop have been told to take things a little easier by their customers.

Shoppers who use the Wigston Fields News and Deli have valued their shop more than ever during the pandemic, thanks to the efforts of owners Pratik and Bee Master.

The pair have gone above and beyond during the lockdown, sometimes visiting their wholesalers six times a day to get the essentials customers need.

They even hired a van to make delivery runs to the most vulnerable, often working 14-hour days, seven days a week.

So when they put a message on their Facebook page asking if people wanted them to open a little later in the evenings – to help people who work during the day – the response was overwhelming.

The page was flooded with comments from customers telling them not to open for any additional hours and urging Pratik and Bee to put their feet up more. Shopper Jess Norman summed up the general feeling saying “No! I want you two to take a rest! “People have every opportunity necessary to shop with you.” Nella Serdeczny wrote: “I’m happy coming at 5ish.

“I agree that you need to have some chill time.” Pratik said: “We were honestly really surprised.

“We just assumed some people would be missing out on the chance to use our shop and might find it more convenient to come in the evenings, but it sounds like everyone has a visit to the News and Deli penned into their calendar on the weekend instead.

“Our customers have been so kind, asking after our wellbeing and encouraging us to rest – it just shows what a fabulous community we are privileged to be a part of here in Wigston.”

The Masters took over the Carlton Drive shop from Pratik’s father in February last year, and have used their connections to fill the shelves with good-quality, locally made food and drink.

That includes cider from Charnwood, freshly baked bread from Oadby and macarons made near to Abbey Park.

In total, they support more than 50 local producers.

While the daily newspaper is still important to them, championing high-quality, local produce has proved a hit with the locals.

Pratik said: “Even on the busiest Saturday, we could perhaps expect to see 100 customers in a day.

”On our relaunch day, we estimate that nearly 1,000 people came through the doors – I just couldn’t believe it.”

Our customers have been so kind, it shows what a fabulous community we are part of

Pratik Master