FOLLOWING the financial difficulties of recent years, discount stores have become an increasing necessity for many residents.

From B&M to Poundland, the frequency of these shops highlights how many shoppers need a cheaper alternative to buy their shopping and household goods.

Aware of this trend, Zak Mohamoud launched his first 'Discount Island' shop in Liverpool in 2015, and after expanding this venture once before, he found the "perfect opportunity" to launch his third business in St Helens this summer.

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The discount store sells a range of homeware and bathroom productsThe discount store sells a range of homeware and bathroom products (Image: Zak Mohamoud)
With Discount Island selling a wide range of toys, stationary, and electrical goods, as well as home, kitchen, and bathroom products, Zak felt that St Helens was a perfect fit as he could merge two empty Barrow Street units together and open a large town centre store.

Describing the store as selling "anything and everything", the business owner said he has had a great response from customers since 'Discount Island' launched in June, and he aims to embed the business as "part of the community" in the years to come.

DIY goods inside Discount IslandDIY goods inside Discount Island (Image: Zak Mohamoud)
Zak, who has further plans to open another discount store in Liverpool next year, said: "We have had lots of positive feedback so far, and many people seem really happy that we have invested in St Helens. Someone even told me that this is just what this place needed.

"Since covid, the business has increased ten-fold because lots of people are looking for cheaper alternatives to shop.

"This is why we feel it is important to make our products as affordable as possible and build that relationship with customers - if you look after the customers, they will look after you."

Part of the toy section in storePart of the toy section in store (Image: Zak Mohamoud)
Although Discount Island has had a positive start in St Helens, Zak admitted that it can be difficult to attract repeat customers as a new business.

There are also struggles with the cost of living crisis and competition with big-name discount brands, who can "do a lot more with their resources".

Nevertheless, the 30-year-old is eager to continue growing his reputation at Discount Island, and hopes that the business will benefit from the £90m regeneration plans set to transform St Helens town centre.