Article in today's Guardian : "Supermarket Sweep"

[JMC]

Thing is, though, it isn't just about lower prices. People are so rushed these days. Years ago there were more women around in the day, many mothers are now back at work. Childminders with buggies may struggle in little shops, disabled people too may have trouble negotiating steps etc. A one stop shop at tesco makes sense when you have little time or money. that is why I think supermarkets have grown so much. These shops wouldn't thrive if they weren't offering what people want.

[moorendman]

Another worrying statistic that follows on from that is the growth of non food retailing , up to 14% now and this has grown 75% in only 8 years. First they came for the grocers , now they want everyone else!! This is the business model now they have reached saturation point with groceries - I can see a point when you simply get tesco vouchers instead of cash from your Hole in the Wall (owned by The Bank of Tesco)

[Cyberman]

...or does it imply that 97% of people no longer have the choice of where to shop, as supermarkets have caused the closing down of all competition?

[alstan]

The most telling piece of information in the Guardian article is that supermarkets account for 97% of grocery expenditure. This implies that 97% of people prefer to buy their groceries in supermarkets.

[moorendman]

That article should be required reading for all those following this thread.

[admin]

And here's another article from the Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/aug/06/tesco-attacked-labour-almighty-conglomerate

[sgk]

In Britain a new Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's or Asda opens every other day. But across the country people are battling the relentless march of the 'Big Four'. John Harris, who has taken up the fight himself, reports.......

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/aug/05/john-harris-fight-against-supermarkets