from today’s Times
“Consumers do not, in the end, take kindly to an overweening monopoly, especially when it squeezes out competition and dictates its own terms. In towns that face the massive intrusion of new superstores, opposition is mounting.”
I wonder if there’s anything that can be done to stop their inexorable march …
Tescopoly seems to be down at the moment, but SchNews has an article on yesterday’s profit figures.
“Consumers do not, in the end, take kindly to an overweening monopoly, especially when it squeezes out competition and dictates its own terms. In towns that face the massive intrusion of new superstores, opposition is mounting.”
I don’t believe that for a moment – the vast majority couldn’t give a damn, either because they’re too busy or because they just don’t care. And perhaps they don’t realise the consequences. So it’s down to the vocal minority to force change, and I suppose that’s always been the way.
no, I don’t believe it either. I know friends who will happily use store cards because of the rewards, and claim not to care about the data mining (which is one of the most frightening things, to me).
the vast majority of people shop in the nearest supermarket, whatever it is, which is why Tesco is desperate to keep building new ones.
“the vast majority of people shop in the nearest supermarket”
This is very sadly true, even when they have to pass high quality small traders to get there.
What really annoys me, is the lowering of quality (even in their, so called, high quality ranges) that the majority of supermarkets are forcing on people. It subsequently lowers the expectations of shoppers. It also can lead to some other businesses trying to get away with also providing sub-standard products.
As an example. We had a new butcher open (we already have 3 top class butchers), his slogan was ‘Quality is remembered, where price is soon forgotten’. Fair enough, if you are actually supplying a quality product. However if the quality is equivalent to ‘Tesco value’ stuff at higher prices then you shouldn’t expect to stay in business.
Not suprisingly he didn’t, although he did have a good whinge in the local rag about not being supported by the local shoppers.