A major problem for small shops is the high overheads that make relatively expensive. This means that most villagers do the bulk of their shopping in nearby Helston and Penzace, but use the village store for convenience and to buy small items. Tim noticed a decline in his sales in 1993 after Safeway opened in Penzance, and again in 1995 whe Tesco opened in helston. These supermarkets could often sell goods cheaper than Tim could buy them from his wholesaler.