Should those who criticise the arrival of Tesco be a little less hypocritical of its presence in Rhuthun/Ruthin? Reason? Tesco had a local store here (at what is now the Village Bakery in Stryt y Ffynnon) till 1982. It closed because Tesco’s then strategy was to develop highly profitable larger premises, mostly out-of-town, in cities and then suburbs. Smaller outlets like Rhuthun/Ruthin’s didn’t bring in the returns, and closed.
Since then, while still advancing its larger stores policy, there is little scope for further expansion in a more-or-less saturated market. To maintain its trading position and profits, Tesco went back into the larger town centres with its Metro sub-brand and latterly has gradually (some would say suddenly) become a major player in the corner shop sector while building smaller new supermarkets in towns that to date have not benefited from what are premier league retailers.
In other words, Tesco has to look further than its larger store policy to maintain growth. Some say this saps the very life out of small towns. While those in Rhuthun/Ruthin might be aggrieved that Tesco abandoned the town when Tesco’s trading strategy changed, only selfishly to come back now that it is suddenly convenient for Tesco, others would argue that Rhuthun/Ruthin’s ripe for change and that Tesco should again play a part in the town and its people.
Since then, while still advancing its larger stores policy, there is little scope for further expansion in a more-or-less saturated market. To maintain its trading position and profits, Tesco went back into the larger town centres with its Metro sub-brand and latterly has gradually (some would say suddenly) become a major player in the corner shop sector while building smaller new supermarkets in towns that to date have not benefited from what are premier league retailers.
In other words, Tesco has to look further than its larger store policy to maintain growth. Some say this saps the very life out of small towns. While those in Rhuthun/Ruthin might be aggrieved that Tesco abandoned the town when Tesco’s trading strategy changed, only selfishly to come back now that it is suddenly convenient for Tesco, others would argue that Rhuthun/Ruthin’s ripe for change and that Tesco should again play a part in the town and its people.
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Tesco