Traders welcome supermarket probe (From Gazette & Herald)

Traders welcome supermarket probe

GIANT supermarket chains accused of dominating the UK grocery market are facing investigation by the Competition Commission.

Independent traders in Ryedale's market towns have long complained of the struggle to survive in the shadow of large stores on the outskirts of York and Scarborough.

Now the Office of Fair Trading has raised concerns about four major supermarkets building up their dominance of the food retail market over the last six years.

However, Ryedale traders were today uncertain about what could be gained from an inquiry.

Ben Metcalfe, of the Pickering greengrocers A & M Metcalfe in Smiddy Hill, said: "What can you say? We're resigned to it unfortunately. There's nothing we can do. They put up these big supermarkets. We can compete on price, it's the convenience that's the issue. They claim prime town centre positions with the best parking and get favourable rates."

He added: "It's gone too far now. Perhaps 20 years ago this inquiry could have done something, but in 10 years' time I don't think there will be any butchers' or greengrocers' in market towns."

Mick Overton, proprietor of Overton's Butchers in Finkle Street, Malton, said: "We can compete in terms of quality of meat and personal service, but the convenience of supermarkets is the issue.

"We welcome any news like this, it's good for the independents, but it won't make any difference to the big four because they've got enough money and lawyers."

He said Malton has lost many butchers' shops in recent years. "There are only two left here, but I think the ones that have managed to cling on are slowly starting to claw their trade back."

A spokeswoman for Tesco said: "The development of the UK grocery market has been good news for customers, precisely because of high levels of competition."

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: "Businesses which serve the needs of their customers and understand the market in which they operate will always be successful."

An ASDA spokesperson said the company believed local planning rules should be investigated to increase customer choice.

A spokeswoman for W M Morrison declined to comment.

Updated: 16:43 Wednesday, March 15, 2006