I have to say that for someone who works full time and has a family, the existing Co Op does not 'help itself' in defending its standing as the main supermarket in Marple. I do not want Tesco in Marple, as I feel it would spoil a lovely village which has a well earned reputation for providing a more 'personal' shopping experience. My mother lives in a large town and when she visits she loves walking through the Derby Way and enjoying shops that she will not find near her. She will buy from Littlewoods because of the customer care and the quality of products that the shop provides. Unfortunately my experience of shopping at the Co op is tinged with frustration, lack of stock (especially Sundays) and a lack of customer care training cause frustration. I desperately want to support the Co Op, but the 'shopping experience' in the larger stores is just so much better. This is not a reflection of the staff working there, but must reflect the difference in management/ training/ recruitment and the training opportunities for existing staff. My point is that I think a lot more people would object to a large supermarket if the Co Op was serving the residents satisfactorily.
