Supermarket Boss Blames Indie Shopkeepers

14 February 2012, 09:51 AM
  • “Many shoppers do not have the time to potter between the butcher, the baker and grocer,” were some of the comments recently written by Justin King, the head of Sainsbury's
Supermarket Boss Blames Indie Shopkeepers

Preparing for a speech due to be held this week at the Guildhall, London, the boss of Sainsbury’s has claimed British high streets are suffering because independent retailers are not adapting their businesses like supermarket chains.

Some of his leaked notes due to be announced at the City Food Lecture said, “Where high streets have declined, I do not believe that the blame can be laid at the door of supermarkets.

“Supermarkets have reflected society and changes in society. Many shoppers do not have the time to potter between the butcher, the baker and grocer. … What I think we need to do is… be brave enough to shrink the high street and allow empty shops to be converted for other uses such as residential where there is over-capacity,” he wrote.

He also cited our high streets as being a “poor second” to out-of-town shopping centres, and that to avoid leaving shops empty, they should be converted into houses and even classrooms.

more like this
  • Speciality Food Launches New Website

    07 February 2012
    The website for Speciality Food Magazine website has changed, but you’ll notice we are still delivering the latest news and views but presented in a much more user- friendly format.
  • London Market Named Oldest In Britain

    07 February 2012
    London Borough Market has been awarded a commemorative plaque to celebrate 250 years of trading, after residents voted for it to be honoured.
  • Groupon Voucher Deal Costs Firm Thousands

    24 January 2012
    A Sussex business has had to move to smaller premises after it was unable to meet demand generated through an online voucher deal