STORE wars are set to take a new twist next week - with the launch of NAKED shopping. The Costcutters supermarket in Boothstown, Worsley is to host what is believed to be Britain's first ever Naturist shopping evening.

And Tesco are considering doing the same.

But the idea has been given a cool reception from the official body of naturists in the UK.

British Naturism spokesman Brian Williams said: "To be honest I don't think many genuine naturists will be attracted by this.

"It's one thing to go shopping naked in a naturist centre where you're already unclothed.

"But to go to the trouble of getting specially undressed for 10 minutes in a supermarket in the middle of January is a totally different matter."

British Naturism has started tentative discussions with Tesco bosses about the idea of naturist shopping evenings after the supermarket giant approached the organisation.

Inspired by this, manager of the Costcutters store in the Stanfield Centre, Steve Farrington, has taken the initiative.

He said: "There are 40,000 naturists out there. I decided why not give it a go and cater for these people.

"We've already had interest and we'd love to hear from others who want to take part."

Mr Farrington has pledged that everything will be done in good taste. Shoppers will enter the store clothed and get changed behind closed doors. Shutters will block the supermarket windows.

The event will start at 6.30pm on Wednesday, half an hour after closing time for general shopping.

Mr Farrington added: "I think other supermarkets will be watching very closely and they could soon be following our lead."

Costcutters also has stores in Little Lever and Leigh.

Anyone who wants to take part can speak to Mr Farrington on 0161 790 2749.

Supermarket giant 'Tesco' say they are considering requests from some customers to introduce nudist shopping.

"Obviously there are a lot of things to consider when talking about the possibility of naked shopping," said Press spokesman, Melody Schuster,

"Staff would obviously have to volunteer to be selected to work and would be paid time and a half should the proposals go ahead.

"More importantly, though, there are the obvious safety issues to be considered with people walking naked around stores.

"These have to be discussed before anything definite can be decided."

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