Summary
BETWEEN them, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons control almost 75 per cent of the UK household grocery market. These huge supermarket chains have revolutionised our lives. In the round, they have expanded consumer choice, lowered prices and provided convenience shopping. However, all social and economic change brings negatives as well as positives. In particular, when an oligopoly of only four companies becomes so powerful as to have a virtual stranglehold on where we shop, it is correct that the commercial practices of these firms are subject to close and continuing scrutiny.
This is why we should welcome yesterday's interim report from the Competition Commission, the official watchdog over private business, into how the big four are behaving towards their customers, suppliers and communities. The commission is still gathering evidence, and a second stage of the report - on competition at a local level - is promised in due course.See the full content of this document
Extract
Leader: The All-Powerful Supermarkets
The commission notes that the number of stores operated by the big four chains has doubled since 2000. At a UK level, this suggests there is more competition. It also indicates that the big retailers are not hoarding...
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