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The continuing expansion of Tesco

ARGUMENTS FOR:

Tesco is highly successful and the most popular supermarket chain in Britain.

We live in a market economy in which businesses have to respond to changing demand. Tesco does this better than most.

Tesco offers high quality, a huge range of products, and excellent value for money.

It is in tune with today's needs. People no longer have the time or inclination to trail around a number of small shops.

Much of the criticism directed at Tesco is based on envy and is also characteristic of our national tendency to resent success - the 'tall poppy' syndrome. Even its critics still shop there.
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ARGUMENTS AGAINST:

Tesco's dominance destroys town centres, all the more so since it started opening Tesco Convenience Stores with which smaller local stores can't compete.

Tesco abuses its near-monopoly position to bully suppliers by driving down prices paid for goods.

By stocking what should be seasonal foods throughout the year, flown in from around the world, Tesco makes a nonsense of its claim to be environmentally responsible.

Tesco stifles competition, which is bad for shoppers in the long run. The creation of 'Tesco towns' - where the company's dominance is complete - has been condemned by the Competition Commission.

FIRST POSTED APRIL 4, 2007