Tesco Expansion Will Threaten Small Shops
Supermarket Tesco’s proposed expansion in the wake of record profits is a major threat to small independent shops, the Rural Shops Alliance (RSA) has warned. The RSA, which represents independent retailers, appealed for “more fairness” in the grocery sector, and urged the Government to bring in new measures to curb the supermarket’s expansion. The Alliance’s appeal come shortly after Tesco posted record annual profits of £3.4 billion ― a growth of ten per cent on last year’s figures. The supermarket chain also recently stated its intention to increase its store development programme by 40% compared with last year. The RSA’s proposals include more rigorous planning laws to prevent big operators “overriding” local opinion and ... »