Tesco is taking over the world

[flashingnose]

They've just posted massive profits which mean they now account for £1 in every £3 that is spent in British supermarkets. Does anyone else think that's scary and rather obscene?

Frightening...

I had a bit of a shock yesterday doing the week's shop. Happened to look at the label for some sliced cooked chicken for sandwiches - not the cheap stuff, the more expensive 5 slice packs.

I thought it'd just be chicken.

There were SEVEN different ingredients. And nothing nice like herbs for flavour either.

I stopped shopping on Tesco's just before christmas due to anumbe rof things store cleanlineess being one the quality of teh fruit and veg and the fact that items would go up in price an dthen be cut later - although no believed me - but I feel vindicated cos it was on tonight with Trevor Mcdonald last night. I now shop at Morrisson's fab veg and fruit adn Sainsbury's and Spending LESS

You don't make profits that big by paring all your margins to the bone...

Anybody feel like giving a precis of the main points in 'Shopped' for the time harassed who might not get around to reading it?

Anyone?

I too saw "Tonight with Trevor MacDonald" and Tesco does seem to be the Supermarket using the most scrupulous tactics.

People should try to buy their fruit and veg and meat elsewhere if they do have that option.

It is cheaper, it is better quality and the supplier is reaping more of the rewards.

I'm astounded that TEsco were allowed to raise their prices for a month and then reduce it the next month claiming they'd slashed their prices in half. In actualy fact, when they falsely 'reduced' the item, it still cost more than the item had cost the month before.

I always thought something had to be advertised at a set price for much more than a month before it could be reduced.

Tescos other unethical practises include taking over the small co-op shops with their Tesco Express shops and getting rid of the local post-offices.

I've never been a fan of Tesco I'm afraid. Next month we are moving from the city to a lovely village and the only blot on the landscape is the Tesco Express. DH and I will be marching straight past that and using the local farm shop instead. I'm just grateful we have that option.

I'm not impressed with Tescos fruit & veg either! I used to get mine delivered from an organic farm, but had to stop that little 'luxury' when I went on Mat Leave. Might start it up again though.

Blimey, you don't want much, do you?

In a really tiny nutshell, it goes 'behind the scenes' - examines the impact of supermarkets on surrounding communities, on suppliers (forcing prices down, de-listing on a whim, demanding £1000s as 'donations' towards promotions etc), very interesting chapter on actually working for them (staff training etc), gradual encroachment of the supermarket into all areas of life (i.e. insurance, banking, homewares, healthcare etc)

It is fascinating - and pretty horrifying at times. I do, of course, still worship at the temple of Waitrose, etc but it has made me think a lot about some of the things I have taken for granted about shopping and lifestyle and I have made some changes. Supermarkets seep into your conciousness IYKWIM and this book did make me think quite differently about it all. I would definitely recommend it - v. though-provoking (along with 'Not on the Label', too)

It was the 'free carrots' story that got me....that and reducing a grown man to tears...

Have just ordered both those books

GA - not from Amazon? thebookpeople are doing 'Shopped' cheap.....

GAH... now you tell me

Maybe Tesco should buy RoverMG.........

well I'll still be shopping there