The manager of the new Asda store due to open in Newton Abbot in August has said his shop will take away business from others in the town. But he also believes Asda shoppers might take advantage of its location and spend money elsewhere. Chris Tilly made the comments during a day-long series of 'customer listening groups' which attracted around 30 people. He showed a video of what the new store will offer, which includes electrical goods, home furnishings, photo processing, clothes and provisions including fresh fish and bakery goods. Fresh meat will all be pre-packed as, according to Mr Tilly, legislation and traceability had made in-store butchery difficult. 'It's a lot safer and offers better protection from an Asda point of view,' he said, and added that Asda had done 'a lot of work on sizing options' for the pre-packed meats. He said Asda was working towards attracting local suppliers, including Newton Abbot firm Westaways, for some goods. A member of the public asked if Asda would divert money away from the likes of Sainsbury's and Tesco. 'My money has to come from somewhere,' Mr Tilly replied. Asked if the town centre would also lose trade he said: 'Yes, it will,' before adding that shoppers might also visit the town centre. Mr Tilly revealed his store, which will employ approximately 300 staff, will be open 24 hours a day, closing only late on Saturday night before opening again on Sunday morning. He said drivers using the 422 spaces in the store's pay and display car park, more than half of which has been created from the former Wolborough Street public car park, would be restricted to a two-hour stay. The parking fee, undecided as yet, would be refunded if shoppers bought goods at Asda. The prospect of shopping trolleys ending up in the River Lemon has been reduced thanks to an electronic system that will prevent them leaving the Asda complex.
