THE newest retail addition to Malmesbury town centre has just opened its doors.

The Vaping Griffin has opened in Griffen Alley replacing Elmers barbers.

Shaun Bailey and Lindsay Lavender, a couple from Malmesbury, are the owners of the shop that opened on April 3.

The couple came to Malmesbury in December 2016.

Shaun is someone who vapes, and noticed that there were no vaping shops in the town.

Shaun said: “I have always wanted to open one if the opportunity arrived but I never had the money.

“Previously I had to go all the way to Swindon and Chippenham.

“I walked past a note on Elmers window a few months ago that said it was up for rent.

“I spoke to them, agreed a deal and opened up this month.”

Shaun wasn’t sure what the town’s reaction would be to the shop opening and expected mixed reactions but since has been overwhelmed with support.

Shaun added: “We posted on Facebook that we were opening and people reacted overwhelmingly well.

“We had massive support from everyone and only received a couple of comments saying ‘why do we need a new vape shop’.

“We have already had customers come in thankful that at last they don’t have to go so far to get devices, liquids and accessories.”

Shaun expected a steady week but the reception was better than expected with the shop taking in close to 100 customers in their first week.

Shaun hopes that people think of the Vaping Griffin as their shop.

Malmesbury town councillor Gavin Grant said of the opening: “Two new businesses opening on and around our High Street is great news for Malmesbury. Well done to the town team and town council. Both have worked hard to sustain visitor numbers, residents support and promote awareness of local shops and businesses.”