Small business groups FSB and ACS are among many expressing disappointment at the outcome of the Competition Commissions inquiry into the grocery sector.
The two year inquiry resulted in the Commission concluding that consumers are enjoying the benefits of competition, while totally ignoring the impact on independent retailing.
Several business groups have lobbied on behalf of small businesses who have seen out of town supermarkets and shopping centres decimate High Street shopping over recent years.
ACS chief executive James Lowman considers the commission has used the inquiry to judge competition between the big four supermarkets and totally ignored the needs of independent retailers.
“This approach ignores the critical need for a variety of retailers and supply chains. It is out of kilter with consumer trends towards more local shopping, and neglects the needs of many groups of consumers whose requirements are not properly met by the big four superstores.”
Clive Davenport of FSB was equally scathing, saying;
“Important issues such as the travesty of almost limitless free parking at out of town superstores while independent high street shops face ever-more stringent parking restrictions were not even considered.”
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