A MOVE to a brighter, more prominent location has given a new lease of life to one of Liskeard’s well-known independent retailers.

Geoff Lewis has relocated his Bargain Box store from Pike Street to Baytree Hill and says the change has already transformed the business, attracting more customers, tourists and passing trade.

After spending just over two years in his previous premises, Geoff decided the time was right to move to a more accessible shop with larger display windows and parking directly outside.

“The difference has been incredible,” he said. “We’ve got big display windows, parking outside, much more footfall and it’s a more prominent location.”

The new shop marks a shift in focus for the business. While customers will still find favourites such as Charlie Bears, Betty Boop collectables and costume jewellery, Geoff has expanded his range of higher-quality gifts, vintage items and unique products that cannot be found elsewhere in Liskeard.

“I’m trying to stock things people can’t buy elsewhere in town,” he explained. “We’ve got musical instruments like violins, guitars and ukuleles, which are ideal for children starting school music lessons.”

The store is also providing a platform for local artists, crafters and growers by selling handmade gifts, original artwork, plants and other locally produced items.

“It’s important to me to support local people who make things,” Geoff said. “We’ve got handmade crafts, plants grown by a local gardener and original artwork by local artists. It’s nice to give people somewhere to showcase and sell their work.”

The move has also allowed Geoff to be more selective with the stock he offers.

“The old shop was anything and everything. If I thought I could sell it, I’d have it in there,” he admitted. “This shop is much more selective, it’s displayed better, it’s brighter, cleaner and much more accessible.”

He believes the new location has opened the business up to a wider audience.

“We’re getting tourists and holidaymakers now as well as locals. I think one of the problems with Pike Street was the steep hill. A lot of people, especially those with mobility issues, just didn’t want to walk up there.”

Alongside selling gifts and collectables, Geoff has expanded his gold and silver buying service, which he says has proved increasingly popular.

Despite the move, one thing that has not changed is his commitment to supporting the local community. Although he was forced to close the Bargain Box Food Hub after rising costs made it unsustainable, Geoff continues to organise fundraising events to provide Christmas hampers for families in need.

A recent bingo night has already helped raise £550 towards this year’s appeal, with a charity dog show planned later in the year expected to boost the total even further.

“I’ll always carry on with the Christmas hampers,” Geoff said. “The best part is seeing the relief on people’s faces when they collect them. They know that's one thing they don't have to worry about at Christmas, and that’s why I keep doing it.”