I opened for business last weekend in a my local shopping centre, as i live around the corner i know most of the traders in there (small town). The bloke that runs the fruit and veg shop was up in arms when he found out i was opening up. He rang the landlords and threatend to pull his shop out and even spoke to the local wholesaler to persuade them not to supply me, as he get his stuff from them. He sells bunches ready made and bedding plants. I can't really see his problem as i feel i am offering a totally different service but he says he is the Florist in the centre. He does advertise that he sells floral tributes and bouquets but if he gets an order he rings a woman who makes it up at home and brings it over for him. He was spotted outside my shop at 7am taking note of all my prices. His dad has walked past my shop about 20 times today, (the road doesn't lead any where so hes obviously just coming to have a look.) I feel like going into the shop and inviting them to come up and have a look around rather than just walking past. My hubby says just ignore them as they are obviously worried by us. Does everyone have this problem?