A POP-UP bridal shop which opened in Witney caused a stir amongst fellow wedding shop owners.

David Ferriman, of Blossom Bridal, expressed his disgruntlement about the opening of The One Stop Wedding Shop.

Mr Ferriman said: “Who lets these pop-up shops come into the town?

“I want to know how the council allows these stores to open for six to eight weeks as for me it’s a concern.

“They come in and undercut businesses, especially the independent stores like ourselves."

The pop-up store - which closed last month after being open for eight weeks - made it a total of five bridal shops in the town.

See also: What will happen when the Queen dies?

He added: “There was five of us effectively selling the same things however four of us were paying the full rates.

“It was madness having all these shops ten minutes from each other in a town so small.

“We didn’t need another bridal shop as we struggle enough in the current retail climate.

“These pop-ups take trade away from the independent shops, the ones who are paying the full rents and rates.”

Mr Ferriman did however admit that pop-up stores can offer some positives to the retail environment.

He said: “They support the local shops and keep the high street looking busy so they do have a purpose.”

Andrea Talbot, from Mae Bridal Boutique, echoed Mr Ferriman's sentiments.

She said: “It was a concern as they were doing heavily discounted dresses which was undercutting us.

“It puts a strain on the other shops as there’s probably too many already.

“The shops need to be filled however, so the pop-ups are good for the image of the high street.”

William Barton, business development manager at West Oxfordshire District Council said: “It is in the best interests of the district to have thriving and successful high streets.

“The council therefore is supportive of any initiative which might have a positive impact on the retail sector locally.

“Pop-up shops have several benefits including giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to test their business and bringing empty premises back into use.”

Read more: Police officers praised after stand-off with gunman

Mr Ferriman’s contention with pop-up stores follows the closure of his other business venture - Keates menswear - earlier this year.

The store's formal hire line has continued however.

Keates has been at the heart of the town centre for more than a century.

Pop-up retail is the opening of a short-term store that can last a matter of days to weeks or months, before closing.

After expanding heavily in the 1990s, pop-up shops are often found in high streets and shopping centres.

They continue to grow in popularity, primarily because they offer a cheaper product than their immediate rivals.

The ice cream company Magnum opened The Magnum Pleasure Store in London this summer, where customers were able to purchase personalised ice cream.

Heinz have also used the pop-up format when they opened cafes and a baked beans museum in London for three days this summer to celebrate the company’s 150th anniversary.