Our Story: Four Generations of Tuffins Tradition
From humble beginnings to a household name in the region, Tuffins Supermarket has proudly served local communities for over 65 years.
Our journey began in 1955 when Harry Tuffin, a First World War veteran, turned entrepreneur by purchasing a garage with two petrol pumps in the village of Churchstoke. Harry’s commitment to quality and service laid the foundation for what was to come.
In 1962, Harry’s daughter Ruby and her husband Roy Delves joined the business, moving it to a larger site in Churchstoke. They built a supermarket and petrol station, turning Tuffins into a one-stop shop known for its unbeatable range—from taps to turnips! Roy also established the popular Sunday Market, creating a vibrant hub for the community.
The business grew further under their son, Paul, who joined in 1978. Under Paul’s leadership, Tuffins expanded to ten stores across rural Mid Wales and the Marches, becoming synonymous with local pride and affordability. After a brief period outside family ownership, Paul reclaimed the Craven Arms supermarket in 2013, ensuring Tuffins stayed a family-run venture.
In 2018, the tradition of growth and innovation continued with the opening of a new 3,000 sq. ft. convenience store and forecourt in Welshpool. Today, Tuffins is proudly managed by the fourth generation, Paul’s sons Phillip and Harry, who uphold the values of great customer service, value for money, and local sourcing established decades ago.
Harry Tuffin - 1955
Our journey began in 1955 when Harry Tuffin, a First World War veteran, turned entrepreneur by purchasing a garage with two petrol pumps in the village of Churchstoke. Harry’s commitment to quality and service laid the foundation for what was to come.
1962
In 1962, Harry’s daughter Ruby and her husband Roy Delves joined the business, moving it to a larger site in Churchstoke. They built a supermarket and petrol station, turning Tuffins into a one-stop shop known for its unbeatable range—from taps to turnips! Roy also established the popular Sunday Market, creating a vibrant hub for the community.
1978
The business grew further under their son, Paul, who joined in 1978. Under Paul’s leadership, Tuffins expanded to ten stores across rural Mid Wales and the Marches, becoming synonymous with local pride and affordability. After a brief period outside family ownership, Paul reclaimed the Craven Arms supermarket in 2013, ensuring Tuffins stayed a family-run venture.
2014 - Today
Now 4th Generation Operated. In 2014 Paul’s sons, Phillip and Harry, joined the family business, upholding the values of great customer service, value for money, and local sourcing established decades ago.
A Proud NISA Member
Being a NISA member gives independent supermarkets many benefits. It has a recognisable name and trustworthy reputation plus 40 years of experience and knowledge on hand. An extensive product range plus strong own label brands are available to all members and because it's owned by its members, all surplus profits are reinvested or returned as rebates. For customers, it means you have access to a large range of brands selling a variety of products, all of which have been approved by NISA. The products are often from smaller brands giving you an opportunity to try unique products at competitive pricing.
NISA Since 1982
NISA launched in 1977 to protect the interests of independents. Over the next 20 years it grew rapidly, attracting thousands of independent retailers to its membership offering central distribution to independent stores to provide them the same benefits as multiples.
Co-Op and NISA
The Tuffins business originally became a member of NISA in 1982 and the Craven Arms store recently by Paul Delves has renewed its membership.
In May 2018 the Co-operative Group purchased NISA, giving us access to Co-op brand products, however we are still independent, and proud to be.