A new convenience shop has opened at a prime spot in St. George's right next to the main bus stop on Duke of York Street.

It is quickly establishing itself as a rival to the Liquor Store opposite, selling many of the same snack and food items, but not alcohol. And the "Only The Best" shop is soon to offer even more, including a passport photo facility, photocopying and DVD rentals, along with everyday household products such as detergents and toilet rolls.

After 17 years in the retail business Dennis Martins has realised an ambition to run his own shop with the opening for Only The Best in the past two weeks.

He continues to work at his day job in Warwick but is also overseeing the establishing of the new St. George's town centre shop that may one day be his primary place of employment.

And the fact that the new shop is promoting similar lines as a rival retailer only a few steps away is not fazing Mr. Martins.

"We have been getting tremendous feedback. People like the open layout and brightness of the shop and having the ability to buy snacks with their children without having to go into a liquor store," said Mr. Martins.

"At the moment our concentration has been on snacks and convenience store items, but we will soon be offering passport photos, photocopy services, bulk packaging and key items that the public need such as detergents and toilet rolls. During the next week we will be starting DVD rentals."

When it comes to location, the shop could not be in a better spot to pick up passing trade. It is right next to the main bus stop, a key place for the many thousands of visitors who find their way to the East End during the year.

Mr. Martins saw an advertisement for a new proprietor to run a shop at the site and was successful with his application.

"It's a key location, which had a lot to do with it. No matter what you put there you can't beat the location both from the local side of things and from a tourist point of view," he said.

"As for the competition, in my eyes, the store next door is a store that also sells liquor. We are not going to be selling liquor."

Since opening two-and-a-half weeks ago Only The Best has enjoyed what Mr. Martins describes as "steady growth".

He added: "More people are finding out about it and we are having signs made up so people will know what we sell. We are also listening to hear what sort of things customers are looking for and requesting."