We return to see Wendy a year on from her last interview to find out how the English shop is doing and what changes have occurred
Name
Wendy
Age
Still not telling you!
Place of birth
Scotland
Favourite country visited
India, Spain
Hobbies
Reading, gardening
When did you come to Spain?
4 year ago
When did you open the English shop?
April 2005 we have been open for over 2 years now
Where do you live in Spain?
I live in the campo on the old railway track between Zafaraya and Periana
You spoke last time about Mel (your husband) renovating your house how is
that going?
Slowly, it is an ongoing project. However, we have electricity now through
solar power and I keep switching the lights on and off to test it all the
time! We also have a kitchen which is fantastic.
How about your animals what number and type are we up to now?
I have acquired 2 more dogs so I have 4 dogs and 6 cats. I am also waiting
for the run to be built so I can have chickens and a couple of Geese
Do you name all your animals?
Yes, they are named after Chelsea players as Mel and I are both big fans.
So what has been happening at your shop?
Well, we made a further investment again in the shop increasing our range
and number of products. We have added more shelving which triples the space
we had originally but at the same time keeping it tidy, uncluttered and easy
to find things.
I can see you have more freezers.
Yes, we have 5 in total, plus 1 drinks cabinet, 1 cold meat cabinet and 1
cold cabinet for fresh milk and cream. We are buying another cold cabinet
for different cheeses such as Brie and Gorgonzola.
So you don’t just stock English food now.
No, I see Britain as a multi cultural country used to getting things from
around the world such as spices and various cheeses so we try and stock
everything foreigners are used to getting at home.
What new food ranges have you in now?
Too many to list! We have diabetic food, a vegetarian range, weight-watchers
soups, meals, shakes and a great value range. Since opening I have found
more suppliers and I can get cheaper deals so the value range is great as I
don’t compromise on quality. Also, we now stock quality fresh fruit and
vegetables. We will also stock flowers and bouquets to order.
You have expanded from food what else do you do?
We sell quality cards, gift bags and tags. New recently is our alcohol rage
both mainline and Spanish brands of Gin, Vodka, Bacardi also Rioja red and white wines are proving to be best sellers. The polycarbonate glasses are currently selling well too. We also stock a good range of cleaning products from biodegradable bleaches to English soaps, shower gels and deodorants.
So what is in the future for you?
Not sure, at the moment 2 years on I feel I know what people want and I can get it for them, I still love coming into the shop and also going home. I could see myself here in 20 years time – well maybe not 20!!!
