Spoof ad highlights how Tesco destroys local shops

Friends of the Earth has today launched a new on-line advert, 'Every Little Helps'. Voiced by Alexi Sayle, the ad urges shoppers to spend a few more pounds in their local shops. The light-hearted spoof carries a serious message - there is a real threat that many small shops could disappear completely. Across the country independent shops are being squeezed out of business by big supermarkets - but people actually want more local stores. A new NOP survey shows that 80 per cent of the public want more local shops. And more people would oppose a new Tesco store than would welcome one.
The Government needs to listen to what people want and put in place rules that promote a variety of shops - not just out-of-town superstores.

Watch the ad -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGoWKVA87ro

Tesco blasted for "arrogance"

Norfolk retailer Nigel Dowdney has taken the battle for the high street right to the heart of the enemy by joining other protestors at Tesco's Annual General Meeting (AGM). Nigel believes that the arrival of a Tesco store in Stalham, Norfolk has reduced choice for local people and "turned a thriving market town into a Tesco town". He said that footfall in the town's high street was reduced by more than 55% after the Tesco store opened. As the owner of one Tesco share, Nigel was entitled to attend the AGM in Central London, but despite several attempts to ask a question he was not called upon to speak because, he says, he was recognised from previous protests.
Another shareholder brought up the case of Sheringham in Norfolk where Tesco plans to build a store despite strong local opposition, but Nigel says her protests were not addressed. "The whole event was run with pure arrogance," he told Convenience Store. "I'm glad I went because it has strengthened by resolve to carry on fighting. Next year I'll make sure I go in disguise."
Representatives of Friends of the Earth also attended the AGM and used the occasion to reveal the results of a survey which claims that nearly half of local residents would oppose a new Tesco in their area. The GSK NOP survey revealed that 43% of people in the UK would oppose a new Tesco store and only 33% would welcome one.
In Cuffley, Hertfordshire, home village of Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy, the chain has said it will continue with its plans to build an Express store despite local residents voting against the move in a referendum.
Jacqui Mackay, spokesperson for the anti-Tesco campaign Tescopoly said: "We are seeing more active campaigns against Tesco. Communities are simply not prepared to sit back and let Tesco take over their towns."

East Anglians prefer to shop local

Consumers in East Anglia are keener on shopping locally than anywhere else in England, according to environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth. A survey released this week reveals that 85pc of the people questioned would like to see a wider variety of independent stores in their communities, giving wholehearted backing to local producers and retailers. Throughout Britain, only Wales and Scotland were more supportive of smaller shops, with 94pc and 88pc respectively calling for a wider grocery market locally. Also, almost half of the people questioned nationally - 43pc - would oppose a new Tesco store in their area while 33pc would welcome one. Jennifer Parkhouse, Friends of the Earth co-ordinator for Norfolk, said: “Every little trip to the corner shop is a small step that can catch on in a big way.“It puts the breaks on huge supermarkets encroaching into the retail market and blocks vital funds from being sucked out of the local economy.”