Tooting: Fish Universe leaves poster distancing itself from Fish World who moves next door

A new store has come to Tooting in the name of Fish World, right next door to Fish Universe.

Meat Wize, the shop that used to be next to Fish Universe, has changed its name and branding, now calling itself Fish World.

The shops sit next to each other and look almost exactly the same: both blue, both with a similar font, both with nearly the same names.

Fish Universe in an attempt to distance itself from the new Fish World, has put up a note poster on its entrance telling people that they are not the same.

It says: "Fish Universe is not associated with Fish World and does not promote, endorse, or support this shop. In no event we be liable for any special, direct, indrect, consquential or incidental damages or any damages or whatsoever, arising out of the use of the Fish World Service or Product.

"We are highly qualified fishmonger, and we are passionate about fish and the environment. Fish Universe opened its doors in December 2014 with the ambition of bringing the freshest best quality fish and seafood to our customer in Tooting. We have stayed true to our core values, ensuring that every single product we sell is the freshest, best quality available.

"Fish Universe is not liable for any loss arisen from either the use of Fish World product or Service. We are also not responsible for accuracy of the information/advice to you."

As a result of the change, Fish Universe have changed their blue uniforms to red in an attempt to further distinguish themselves.

Rafa Kafeshi, 34, and the owner of Fish Universe, said that it wasn't just customers who were getting confused, with the council also getting mixed up.

He says that he was sent a fly-tipping fine after items were left on the road outside of the shops, however, the CCTV images sent to him allegedly showed men he said worked for Fish World.

Manan, the owner of Fish World, has denied this.

While speaking to MyLondon, Rafa described Fish World's change in branding as an "insult".

He said: "They stole everything from us. They stole the sign of the shop, the layout, the name, even the uniform!

"They aren't on Google, when you search their name we come up first."

"We are a family business that has worked hard for our reputation, for them to come along and do this is an insult."

Manan, the owner of Fish World who did not wish to say his surname, hitback at Rafa's comments, claiming that they were "jealous".

He said: " "People are copying me, I'm not copying anyone.

"Our shops are completely different. We added this new fish bit recently but we sell meat, they don't sell meat.

"We sell other products they don't sell. We sell African and Caribbean fish that they don't.

"It's a nonsense, they are jealous that's all. Business is free here so for him to say that is a nonsense."

Wandsworth Council have said that they are unable to resolve a dispute between the two shops, and that Fish Universe needs to seek its own legal advice on the matter.

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