A new independent that has just set up shop in a historical arcade has been singing the praises of all the businesses situated there. 

Harris Arcade in the centre of Reading is home to many small independents, some of which have been there for years. 

Entrepreneur Trudy who just opened Ted's Curiosities said that she has loved selling alongside the other businesses. 

"I love this arcade," she said. "It really goes with what I am trying to do with my store, it's old, it's ancient, and it just looks amazing."

Ted's Curiosities is an assignment store that takes anything from people's clothes, shoes, and bags, to vintage items and antiques. 

They even have some rarities that are over one hundred years old. 

"We do a lot of collectibles too," Trudy continued. "We have lots of beanie babies in at the moment, Top Trump cards, we've merchandise from all of the TV shows and movies you could ever think of."

She went on regarding Harris Arcade that due to the extent of small businesses there she gets to work with so many new people, something that she loves doing. 

"If I get given vinyl, I go talk to the vinyl shop first and give him first dibs to buy it off me and sell it himself," she said. 

"The community here is just brilliant. The military guy, Tony, he's given me some stuff to sell in my shop and I've given him some stuff too."

She went on to say that the man who sells comic books in the arcade has also become a firm contact of hers, as well as the owner of the 'Man Cave' which is at the end towards the station.

All the stores in the Harris Arcade work together, and Trudy said she has a good business repour with almost every shop. 

"Even Adrianne the hat lady, if I get given some hats or she's got stuff that she can't sell in her shop, it comes here. So we all work together, it is a great little mesh," she said. 

Trudy takes a 30% commission on most of the stuff aside from larger furniture items, where she takes 40%. 

"We have so much stock at the moment, I even have lots more back home that would not fit into this space," Trudy said. 

"Some of the furniture pieces I've got at my house are just stunning. I just don't like things being thrown away really. Charity shops will only take so much."