A Bromley wine shop has closed its doors for the last time, blaming Tesco for forcing it out of business.

Refreshers in Bromley High Street claims to have seen a huge drop in customers since Tesco Express opened opposite it, replacing The Slug and Lettuce in October last year.

The shop's last day of business was on Saturday (September 13).

It opened in November 2011 after director Andy Dawson, with the financial backing of his parents, had invested in successful stores in Shortlands and Bickley.

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The 35-year-old told News Shopper: "When Threshers went bust in 2009 me and several colleagues got the keys to two recently closed Thresher stores and re-opened as Refreshers. 

"We all worked for Threshers for years and all stood to lose our jobs, but we knew there was a need for a decent wine shop in Bromley. 

"We aimed to do what Threshers did well with out what they did awfully, which was quite a lot.  

"After a year and loads of positive feedback from our loyal and returning customers we jumped on the Bromley High Street Oddbins when it closed and took our biggest gamble and opened our third shop." 

However, despite the shop's initial success, the presence of Tesco has seen things go downhill.

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Mr Dawson, who has lived in Bromley all his life, said: "To begin with it was going really well, people were coming from all around.

"Sadly Tesco managed to obtain the license off the struggling Slug and Lettuce opposite and get in across the road. 

"Since then there has been a dramatic drop in footfall, we have suffered massively from a drop in customers.

"We are now closing the shop. It's so sad for all of us. This isn't just a job it's our life - I know that sounds cheesy. It's also my parents retirement money. 

"We have always tried to do our best and get great wines and have some great promos. Our team have over 100 years experience in the wine trade, and all so passionate but no will in the world could have prepared us for having a shop opposite a newly opened Tesco."

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A Tesco spokeswoman said: "We're proud to serve the local community in Bromley. Our Express stores are popular with customers as they offer a wide range of products in a convenient location.

"From experience we know that our Express stores give people one more reason to shop locally and in many cases help other local businesses grow."

Refreshers stores in Shortlands, Bickley and Petts Wood remain open, while its wines can be purchased online here.