To think that Tescos mission is to put all small business' out of business

[notnagging]

Got an email from tescos today stating that they are now delivering organic boxes. Another of their ideas with prices that no-one will be able to compete with. They have closed down our local garage because they wanted to build another Tesco metro( the third one within walking distance) even though they did not get the locals support they don't seem to care.They make billions & just seem to be on a mission to take over the high street regardless of customers needs.

[CailinDana]

If they didn't make money they wouldn't be able to do this. They are successful because they give people what they want - cheap food etc. Getting sentimental about business strikes me as very weird - it's a competitive exercise and the one most able to compete will win. A business won't stay open if it can't compete and if it can't compete it means it's lacking in some way (too expensive, not the right stock etc). Independent businesses tend to do well in affluent areas, but in areas where low prices are needed big chains do well. It's a fact of life, and not worth getting in a lather about it. If you'd prefer to live in a communist society there are a few in the world, but they're no known to be much better.

[Cozy9]

Their mission is to make money.

[Cozy9]

The same as the mission of all businesses.

[IvanaHumpalotCountDracula]

Ahhh - they're just providing 'choice' to the customer ;-)

"Every little helps" - their profits...

[CailinDana]

Yes of course Ivana - that's what they're bloody there for! They're not a charitable organisation, no shop is. I just don't get what your point is.

[notnagging]

I do get upset about unethical companies that drive other people out of business. Many farmers lose money by selling to tescos but have no choice because they are so big. They are the only supermarket that refused to go Aspartame free in their own brand products or sign up to the govt traffic light guidelines. They don't seem to care.

[mrskeithrichards]

I want veg delivered but not arsed about it being organic.

[goralka]

yes they have an evil mission to take over the UK, that is why their colours are red white and blue, and their 'Value' range is essentially the 'Victory' mark from Orwell's novel 1984.

[goralka]

anyway all of the supermarkets are driving the farmers out of business not just tesco.

[mrskeithrichards]

The value range isn't blue anymore!

[goralka]

damn so much for that theory then - I live in one of the very few towns in the UK without a Tesco! Of course they are plotting to move in....

[RooneyMara]

I'm not affluent, but I bloody hate Tesco. They might be cheap but they are awful.
And I agree with OP that it's not just about who is cheapest, or it shouldn't be.

They're cheap because they are huge, I think, now rather than being huge because they are cheap or better at anything.

I've had food poisoning from their food, a few times, bought things that I then find are already out of date, been refused a refund after a long journey despite being told on the phone the store would do it (got it in the end - plus compensation) - they just don't give a sh*t. They really don't.

I actually hesitate to go in there any more despite it being so convenient. I think it's a greedy bastard shop.

[RooneyMara]

Oh and if something/someone is much bigger than everyone else, of course they're able to bully people into doing exactly what they demand.

It's not rocket science. They are exploiting their own weight/scale to their advantage and everyone else's disadvantage and that's why we have the monopolies laws. Except I'm not sure if these are working...

[goralka]

totally agree RooneyMara, cheap and nasty.
The big Tescos where i used to live used to make me feel psychotic, and I wasn't alone!

[EnglishGirlApproximately]

I'm always bewildered when people are surprised that businesses want to expand and increase profits. If people didn't shop in Tesco they wouldn't have the money to expand. If people cared so much about supporting their local shops, garages etc. they would continue to use them regardless of what Tesco do. Tesco have planning precision to build a small supermarket in my village and I'll probably use it. Why? Because they won't close at 5.30 (1 on wednesday), they'l open on sundays, I won't be served by someone talking on their mobile and eating lunch at the same time, I won't have to wait to be served because the assistant is outside having a fag. There are some local shops that will survive because they're very good, the ones who suffer will go because they won't change to meet customers' needs.

[RooneyMara]

Not won't change. Can't change.

MASSIVE difference.

[LadyMaryChristmas]

You don't have to buy things from Twatsco. Ocado sell organic veg boxes, I still buy mine elsewhere (not Twatsco).

[AtiaoftheJulii]

Obviously they are a business and want to make money - but so are the other supermarkets, and they aren't spreading as virulently as Tesco. There are 13 Tesco in my town, far far FAR more than any other supermarkets. There are already 3 I can walk to in ten minutes, and another is about to be built, almost literally on my doorstep. The other supermarkets don't seem to be as cynically obsessed with trying to get every last penny spent in this country.

[goralka]

the only shops that will survive will be specialist shops eg halal butchers, the rest will not be able to compete. Although englishgirl does have a point about opening hours and customer service.

[notnagging]

The monopolies are not working. They ask for permission, it is refused but they they persist against local residents wishes. They employ 1/4 Million people which makes it very hard to say no.

[notnagging]

Goralka they do sell halal meat. Not own brand yet but I'm sure it's getting there.

[goralka]

really??? well....they have it sewn up then.

[notnagging]

Englishgirl our local garage was doing well but the land was owned by the council. Tesco decided they wanted that spot and that was that. They do not necessarily look for empty, unused sites.

[goralka]

they do seem to be able to ride roughshod over existing businesses and planning laws. for example the Tesco express at Palmeira Square in Hove was setup in a listed building with the condition they kept the old window frames as they were, well of course they just ripped them out and that was that.

[RooneyMara]

they can do what they like. I don't understand the ins and outs of it but it happens and it's wrong.