Hi guys could we please stop attacking the Co-op. The Co-op gets such a bad name round Marple, which is really unfair. The Co-op isn't a bad supermarket, it may seem 'over priced' but that is only because it pays a fair price for its products unlike SOME supermarkets who bully suppliers. It is a responsible retailer
Take a look at this link - The Co-operative Group has been crowned Responsible Retailer of the Year at the prestigious Oracle Retail Week Awards 2011, which recognise the very best in UK retailing
http://www.co-operative.coop/corporate/Press/Press-releases/Headline-news/Co-operative-crowned-Responsible-Retailer-for-fourth-year-running-/*The Co-operative, which raised the bar further in February with the launch of its groundbreaking Ethical Operating Plan, beat ASDA, B & Q, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and TESCO to take the coveted "green" award*.
Over the past three years the co-operative economy has consistently outperformed the rest of the UK economy, growing by almost 25%. Around 12.9 million people are members and it is a sector now worth well over £30bn, providing employment for more than 235,000 workers.
Co-ops' are enjoying a renaissance as people look for more trustworthy, ethical businesses. Recent research shows that people see co-operatives as fair, honest businesses, whereas conventional businesses are viewed as greedy and cutthroat." http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/may/14/cooperative-modern-makeoverThe Co-op might be blocking Tesco or Sainburys from opening a Express style store at Hanburys but personally I don't blame them. Its right on their doorstep. Hanburys has no parking and people would probably tresspass on their land (not pay the 30p and nip in the Tesco or whatever Hanburys could become). Don't get me wrong I personally think there is room for a
Sainsburys local (not a TESCO EXTRA) somewhere in Marple, just not on that site!
Co-op are also not on their own with this type of behaviour (land banking) - ALL major supermarkets do this!! Tesco has many landbanks throughout the country which they wrap up in all kinds of clauses and sell on, so no other food business can operate from the sites.
I think rather than attacking the Co-op over this issues maybe some should ask them if it is possible to use the space (Hanburys). Maybe ask them to open it up as a community space or something... I'm sure they'd rather it be used for the good of the community especially with all this stuff going on with the College being sold off. If you don't ask you don't get and after all the Co-op is a CO-OPERATIVE.
**The community of Hanbury, West Yorkshire, called on the Co-op to open a bank in the town when the last remaining outlet closed down in 2010. A petition of 1,000 residents in the community called on the Co-op to open a bank in the town and the company duly obliged (see retail gazette for full story). I know it's a bit different the Co-op being asked to open banks in its store but like I say if nobody asks them about Hanburys, it'll just lie empty.**
Ps Co-op won't open 24 hours, there is no point, it would cost them to much money to do it.
