Walking down the bustling streets of British towns today reveals a stark reality – numerous shops once thriving are now vacant and boarded up, some remaining closed for years. Despite the challenges posed by Covid and the increasing popularity of online shopping, corner stores are bucking the trend and flourishing. This success can be attributed to the significant spending of Gen Z consumers, who contribute nearly £1,000 annually at their local convenience stores.
For Keith Tomes and his family, owners of the Costcutter on Swanage High Street since 1908, the corner shop has been a constant presence for over a century. Witnessing the evolution of the business through two World Wars, technological advancements like the decline of cash transactions and the emergence of debit cards, as well as societal changes in the local community, the Tomes family has been an integral part of the area.
Recently, the Tomes family was recognized as part of a new campaign by Coca-Cola, highlighting the essential role played by corner shops in their communities as the brand celebrates 125 years of selling soft drinks in the UK. Despite the hurdles faced by small businesses, Keith notes a surge in business during the pandemic-induced lockdown, with long queues lining up the street as people sought basic necessities, turning a routine shopping trip into a social event.
Having been involved in the shop since childhood, Keith has seen the business grow and adapt over the years. Resisting the trend of self-serve checkouts, he emphasizes the importance of personal customer service and human interaction over cost-cutting measures. With a roster of loyal customers, including notable figures like a 100-year-old D-Day veteran and celebrities like Thelma Barlow, the community ties run deep at Costcutter.
Looking towards the future, Keith, now 63, aims to secure the continuity of the store by passing it down to the next generation. With his sons actively involved in the local community, including one serving as deputy mayor and the other volunteering with the RNLI, the legacy of the shop seems assured. Keith remains optimistic about the future, expressing confidence that the business will continue to thrive for decades to come.
The personal connection to the store goes beyond business for Keith, as it played a pivotal role in his own love story with his wife, Anne, whom he met during their school days and eventually asked out as their bus regularly stopped in front of Costcutter. Reflecting on their journey, Keith shares a chuckle, recalling the persistence that led to their enduring partnership.