Small traders warn of threat from new Tesco

TRADERS are rallying together to save their businesses after the arrival of a new supermarket on a village shopping parade. The independent shopkeepers say their customer numbers are plummeting less than four weeks after Tesco Express opened in Ashtead, Surrey. The retail giant has replaced three shop units in Craddocks Parade, including the smaller One Stop convenience store. But traders on the parade say some customers are attracted to the convenience of being able to buy all their shopping at Tesco Express - to the detriment of independent shops. Allison Burrell, owner of Allison's Bakery, said she has already noticed customer numbers falling by "at least 10 per cent" since Tesco Express opened.
Percy Holmes,who runs a family butchers' shop said: "It has had an effect on the parade because people are coming in, not stopping, and looking to go straight out again. They aren't having a look around at the other shops."

Do you think shoppers who came to a Tesco store in Sheringham would behave differently? Of course not.