M&S leaving Bridlington opened a gap in the market for us

There was obvious disappointment when Marks & Spencer decided to close its Bridlington branch earlier this year.
Proprietor Andrew Pinder and manageress Donna Wright.Proprietor Andrew Pinder and manageress Donna Wright.
Proprietor Andrew Pinder and manageress Donna Wright.

But one small town centre business saw an opportunity to step into the gap in the market.

Arnold’s Fisheries in Queen Street has started selling a new selection of items which make cooking fish easier for those who are not so confident in the kitchen.

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Manageress Donna Wright said: “We have expanded our product range to try to make fish more accessible to people .

“We are now stocking cook-fresh bags so people can take fish home and just pop it in the oven or microwave. We are also trying to cover a gap in the market left by M&S leaving.

“We are now a stockist of Staal smokehouse products to give people an option for Christmas pre-orders without them having to travel out of town to collect it.”

Established more than 60 years ago by Arnold Appelquist, and now run by the third generation, its mobile unit Arnold’s Oyster Bar won a gold award at Beverley Food Festival for its dressed crab.

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But Donna admits businesses do have to be innovative. “It’s all about being pro-active,” she said.

“We have our regular customers but you do feel the impact of things like changes to benefits and Brexit and big political issues.

“You also have people with the attitude that there is nothing in Bridlington, but there are good shops here that do sell quality products.”

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