Consumers have a new one-stop shop in North East Hamilton for everyday needs.

Sharrieff and Jane Wales have opened a Champ’s Variety outlet on the south side of Dundonald Street, just west of its intersection with Court Street.

The shop adds to the existing Champ’s on Cambridge Road in Sandys and replaces a former Champ’s location farther east on Dundonald Street.

The couple also operate Fresh on Queen Street in Hamilton.

The new store covers 5,000 square feet and has additional warehouse and office areas. The couple bought the building three years ago.

Champ’s on Dundonald carries a wide range of products, including health, beauty and cleaning products, groceries, frozen goods, milk, fresh juices and cigarettes.

“We also have some crossover from Fresh, with good prices,” Mr Wales said.

He said the store would be adding a produce section and hoped that a liquor licence would be granted when the Liquor Licensing Authority meets today.

If so, Champ’s on Dundonald will stock beer, wine and spirits, just as the Sandys location does.

“You’re going to go to a place where you can get a six-pack, a bottle of wine, dog food, and a loaf of bread. It’s not about alcohol – it’s about having the one-stop shop to get everything,” Mr Wales said.

The former boxing champion added: “This side of Hamilton has traditionally been forgotten. This side of town has a lot of history. People are land-rich and cash-poor, and we need to build up this side of town.”

Mr Wales said the shop, which opened on the Friday before Christmas Day, was doing well.

“The people are discovering us. We have got nothing but love from our customers. Once everything is in place, including produce and liquor, then we’ll be offering full service.”

Mr Wales is enrolled in the Streetwise MBA programme presented by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation.

He said: “The BEDC is great, they really endeavour to help you.

“What I’ve discovered about business is that you can tell people what you’re doing and how you’re doing it, but I discovered through the Streetwise MBA that people need to understand why you’re doing something.

“Why should people shop at Fresh? Grocery items are 35 per cent cheaper than anywhere else on the island and that’s massive. Those items are bought here from local vendors.

“At Fresh, you get better prices. For $50, you can fill up a brown bag of groceries at Fresh and that’s the reason to shop there.

“A reason to shop at Champ’s is we are bringing some of those products from Fresh into Champ’s.”

Champ’s on Dundonald is open from 6am until midnight, seven days a week but there are plans to be open 24 hours.

Fresh and the two Champ’s outlets have a total of 25 staff, including the owners.

Mr Wales said: “Once we hit the 24-hour mark, we will be hiring additional Bermudian staff.”