Tesco Here, Tesco There, Tesco F@*%ing Everywhere
Article published: Saturday, December 1st 2007
Chorlton-cum-Hardys reign as one of Manchesters few remaining Tesco-free areas may soon be over. The supermarket chain has applied for planning permission to convert the Esso garage on Manchester Road into a 288sq metre Tesco Express store. The company, which has one of the most aggressive expansion schemes of all the UK grocery chains, plans to double the number of the Express format stores in the next eight or so years. With expansion plans like these, it is not surprising that according to campaign group Tescopoly, Tesco is equipped to eventually capture up to 40% of the entire food retail market.
Despite these figures, it was still a shock to hear Tesco report annual profits of over £2.5 billion this April. Evidently, their model works. For their shareholders that is. But for the farmers and growers that supply them, the local businesses they compete with, the communities they operate within, and for our local and global environment, it is clear that Tescos cheap food has hidden costs.
Immediate concerns are for local shops, businesses and the community. Being Tesco-free is fairly unusual in itself, and the area is also home to a unique mix of thriving, independent local businesses. Coincidence? Well, its become evident in recent years that supermarkets and a thriving independent sector dont go hand in hand. The fact that 50 small businesses are closing down each week nationwide isnt unrelated to the massive growth of multiple retailers. The Chorlton application will be decided on by a Planning Committee. Members of the community are hopeful that planning officers will recognise that while many choose to shop in supermarkets, they are not the best option, and that the many costs vastly outweigh the benefits of unchecked corporate expansion. Tesco, however, are nothing if not determined, and this may be a lengthy struggle. Watch this space.
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