BUSINESS in Wanstead High Street has been given a timely boost with the opening of a new convenience store on the site of a former off-licence.

Several of the shopping district's most prominent businesses closed down during the recession - with a number of premises, particularly at the Snaresbrook end of the road, remaining empty for more than a year.

The recent relocation of interior design shop Horsfall & Wright and closure of Andrews Builders' Merchants - in Woodbine Place - have done little to lift the spirits of shoppers or traders in the area.

But a welcome positive arrived on Sunday with the opening of the '7 to Eleven' store on the site of the former Threshers wine shop - which has laid empty since the chain closed down in 2009.

The shop will be open from 7am to 11pm, seven days a week and sell a wide range of wine, cigarettes and groceries.

Manager, Girish Patel, 33, is confident about the future.

He said: "This is a great area. The people around here seem really nice.

"There is plenty of competition in the High Street, but we have a lot to offer, and have lower prices than some of the other shops - particularly our wine and beer deals.

"Things are a bit quiet at the moment, but I'm sure business will build up over time.

"We will be open all week, so people can come in and get what they want any time."

Mr Patel, who will run the store with the help of his family, said he plans to broaden its range of goods even further - including possibly offering fruit and vegetables.

Mr Patel and shop assistant Swapnil Patel, 25, were busy finishing stocking the shop when the Guardian visited this afternoon (Tuesday).